Benefits Officer in Thatcham

Benefits Officer in Thatcham

Thatcham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help residents with financial assistance for housing and council tax.
  • Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a vibrant and innovative local authority.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Customer service experience and knowledge of housing benefits preferred.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers great career growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic benefits officer to join our team.

As part of the wider Revenues and Benefits Service you will have a key role in providing a high-quality service to its residents, who need financial assistance with their rental liability and/or Council Tax.

Your role will involve:

  • Accurate and effective processing of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support using the Capita Academy processing system and Civica document management system.

The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The service also deals with applications for discretionary housing payments.

What we are looking for:

  • Proven skills and experience in a customer facing environment, with the ability to meet demanding performance targets.
  • Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to manage your own workload.
  • Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines, and able to work on your own and as part of a team.
  • Ability to keep up to date with relevant legislative changes.
  • Conscientious attitude and attention to detail.
  • Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
  • Enthusiastic about doing an excellent job and delivering results.
  • Flexible approach to work to accommodate changing priorities.

What we offer:

  • 32 days annual leave.
  • Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
  • Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
  • Free employee parking close to the offices.
  • Give As You Earn scheme.
  • Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
  • Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
  • Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Interview dates: TBC

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Michael Doyle (Benefits Team Leader) on michael.doyle@rbwm.gov.uk.

To apply please click the Apply Now text below.

Benefits Officer in Thatcham employer: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation. With generous benefits such as 32 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust Local Government Pension scheme, RBWM prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in a culturally rich area with proximity to London, this role as a Benefits Officer provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying a supportive workplace culture.
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Contact Detail:

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer in Thatcham

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at RBWM on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Benefits Officer.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role and its responsibilities.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions, especially those related to customer service and handling pressure. We need to demonstrate our ability to stay calm and focused while delivering excellent results.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the RBWM team.

We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer in Thatcham

Customer Service Skills
Knowledge of Housing Benefit
Knowledge of Council Tax Support
Excellent Communication Skills
Written Communication Skills
Verbal Communication Skills
Workload Management
Attention to Detail
Ability to Meet Deadlines
Teamwork
Ability to Work Independently
Adaptability to Legislative Changes
Calmness Under Pressure
Enthusiasm for Delivering Results
Flexibility in Work Approach

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Benefits Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Don't forget to proofread for any typos or errors – we want to see your attention to detail!

Demonstrate Your Customer Service Experience: We value a customer-facing background, so share specific examples of how you've successfully assisted customers in the past. This will help us see your ability to meet demanding performance targets.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all submissions!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislative changes and how they impact residents. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re also committed to providing accurate and effective support.

✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

Since this role is customer-facing, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled challenging situations. Highlight your ability to remain calm under pressure and how you’ve met demanding performance targets. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

In your interview, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. You might want to share specific strategies you use to manage your workload effectively and meet tight deadlines. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of processing benefits accurately.

✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit

While it's important to show you can work independently, don’t forget to highlight your ability to collaborate with others. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a team environment and adapted to changing priorities. This aligns perfectly with RBWM's values of collaboration and inclusivity.

Benefits Officer in Thatcham
The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Location: Thatcham
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