Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton

Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton

Northampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assess and process Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims with a focus on customer support.
  • Company: Join West Northamptonshire Council, a diverse and inclusive employer dedicated to community welfare.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and attention to detail; experience with benefits assessment is a plus.
  • Other info: Empower your career in a dynamic team that values fairness and respect.

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

What will you be doing?

  • Assess and process Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims, including complex cases.
  • Provide clear, customer‑focused advice on benefits and welfare reform.
  • Liaise with landlords, the DWP, and internal teams to ensure entitlements are correct and vulnerable clients are supported.
  • Identify and manage overpayments, fraud referrals, and maintain accurate Council Tax records.
  • Stay up to date with legislation and use IT systems effectively to deliver a high‑quality service.

About you

  • You’re a clear and confident communicator who can support people with sensitivity, even in challenging situations.
  • With strong attention to detail and the ability to manage a busy workload, you balance accuracy with empathy, ensuring vulnerable cases are handled with care.
  • You bring sound judgment, initiative, and teamwork to everything you do, while also being comfortable working independently.
  • Ideally, you’ll have experience interpreting complex legislation and assessing Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction claims, backed by proven literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Above all, you value fairness, respect, and professionalism in every interaction.

About us

West Northamptonshire Council is focused on our people. We empower you in your career and unite you with like‑minded colleagues. Our vision is ‘to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We uphold diverse, equitable, and inclusive values, and we are a disability‑confident employer and partner to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leaver Covenant.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton employer: West Northamptonshire Council

West Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive in a supportive work culture that values fairness and professionalism. The council offers meaningful career growth opportunities while ensuring a positive impact on the community, making it an ideal place for those seeking rewarding employment in the public sector.
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Contact Detail:

West Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at West Northamptonshire Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to benefits assessment. Think about how you’d handle complex cases and provide customer-focused advice. We want you to show off your skills and confidence!

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for fairness and professionalism during interviews. Share examples of how you've supported vulnerable clients in the past. This will highlight your empathy and attention to detail, which are key for this role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at West Northamptonshire Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton

Customer-Focused Advice
Housing Benefit Assessment
Council Tax Reduction Claims
Complex Case Management
Clear Communication
Attention to Detail
Workload Management
Empathy
Judgment
Initiative
Teamwork
Independent Working
Legislation Interpretation
Literacy Skills
Numeracy Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

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

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, give examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in the past. This will help us see your ability to support people sensitively.

Highlight Attention to Detail: We value accuracy, especially when dealing with complex cases. Include specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous roles, whether it was in processing claims or managing records.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our careers site! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, you can check out more about our employee benefits while you're there!

How to prepare for a job interview at West Northamptonshire Council

✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the benefits and welfare reforms relevant to the role. This will not only show your interest but also help you provide informed answers when discussing how you can support clients effectively.

✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills

Since the role requires clear and confident communication, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to handle sensitive situations and how you approached them with empathy.

✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

Be ready to discuss your experience with managing complex cases and ensuring accuracy in your work. Bring specific examples where your attention to detail made a difference, especially in assessing claims or maintaining records.

✨Stay Updated on Legislation

Familiarise yourself with current legislation related to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the field will demonstrate your commitment to delivering high-quality service and staying informed.

Benefits Assessment Officer in Northampton
West Northamptonshire Council
Location: Northampton

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