At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents by processing benefits accurately and providing essential financial advice.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Torbay Council, dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a rewarding career in public service.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28142 € per year.
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
Department: Finance
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £26,403 - £28,142 / year
We are expanding our Revenues and Benefits Team within the Finance Directorate and are looking for several enthusiastic, customer focused Revenue Officers to join our Local Government Benefits Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to make a real difference while building a rewarding, long‑term career in public sector finance and benefits administration.
As a Benefits Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our service—supporting residents, ensuring benefits are processed accurately and on time, and helping to deliver a service that genuinely matters to our community. You’ll work as part of a supportive and experienced team where learning, development, and collaboration are encouraged. Every day will be different, and your work will directly contribute to providing vital financial support to those who need it most—all while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and financial policies.
We are looking for someone who is a clear communicator, both verbally and in writing. You will be organised and detail oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks. You will be professional and approachable, comfortable with numbers, have the ability to interpret regulations and guidance as well as confident using IT systems. If you are motivated, organised, and enjoy helping people, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your skills and make a meaningful impact. Previous experience in either a revenues or benefits role, customer services, or local government is beneficial but not essential, as full training will be provided.
Key Responsibilities- Administer claims for local and national benefits and to collect and enforce payment of Council Tax, Business Rates, and Business Improvement District.
- Follow a robust process incorporating all available recovery options that is focused on maximising the council’s income collection.
- Respond to customer enquiries via phone, email and correspondence by providing clear and professional advice.
- Engage customers, landlords, internal departments, external agencies and government agencies to support accurate assessment and processing.
- Understand the needs of our customers by keeping up to date with relevant legislation, regulation, and best practice relating to benefits and debt management.
- Maintain strict data security and confidentiality standards.
Working for Torbay Council offers many benefits including a competitive starting salary, flexible and hybrid working opportunities, generous annual leave entitlement, the Local Government Pension Scheme and the opportunity to work towards an IRRV qualification. You will be part of a friendly and supportive team with commitment to your wellbeing, offering clear career progression pathways. This post meets the requirements of the Public Services Network (PSN) and therefore will require a Basic Criminal Record Check. This will show any unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Essential Skills- Effective communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to give clear and accurate advice on complex matters.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships including being able to influence and persuade others in a sensitive, professional way, both inside and outside of the Council.
- Effective time management with the ability to manage competing demands.
- The ability to develop knowledge of Housing Benefits, Council Tax, Council Tax Support, Working Age Council Tax Reduction and other Discretionary payment legislation through training.
- Advanced knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures.
- Aware of the policies, aims and objectives of the Council.
- Basic knowledge of Data Protection Act 2018.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Benefits Officer Level 1 - 37 Hours employer: Torbay Council
Torbay Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees while making a significant impact in the community. With a supportive work culture, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development, including pathways to gain an IRRV qualification, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering vital financial support to residents. Join us in Torbay, where your contributions will truly matter, and enjoy a rewarding career in public sector finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Benefits Officer Level 1 - 37 Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the local government sector, especially those already working at Torbay Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of benefits administration and local government policies. We want you to feel confident discussing how you can help residents and support the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise when explaining your thoughts. Remember, as a Benefits Officer, you'll need to convey complex information simply and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Officer Level 1 - 37 Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Benefits Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and make a difference in the community!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically—this will help us see your ability to convey complex information simply.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct experience in revenues or benefits, share any customer service roles or relevant skills that demonstrate your ability to manage tasks and support others. We value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn just as much!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Benefits Officer. Familiarise yourself with local and national benefits, Council Tax, and relevant legislation. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to do mock interviews with a friend or family member, focusing on how you would explain complex matters simply and professionally.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and competing demands. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully juggled various responsibilities, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the dynamic nature of the job.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team and the council’s objectives. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to build rapport with the interviewers!
