At a Glance
- Tasks: Help residents get the compensation they deserve and manage complaints effectively.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, a leader in community support and fairness.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to improving community services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in decision-making and empathy towards residents is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 34434 £ per year.
Grade B – £28,598 to £34,434 per annum. Consultation grade – subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review. Working 36.50 hours per week.
About The Role
We are looking for passionate, resident focused individuals who are motivated to make sure residents receive what they are entitled to. As a social landlord of over 55,000 units, we know that things may go wrong from time to time. We are looking for officers who are dedicated to ensuring complaints are managed properly, residents are compensated based on their experiences, and that there is a commitment to put things right. This role is vital in treating all of our residents with fairness and respect.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess and respond to resident compensation claims with clear, evidence‑based decisions.
- Ensure compensation payments directed by regulatory bodies are made accurately and within required timescales.
- Provide a high standard of customer service, acting sensitively in situations involving resident distress or inconvenience.
- Manage a caseload of compensation cases, maintaining accurate records of decisions and communications.
- Work collaboratively with operational and corporate colleagues to gather information and support case assessments.
- Respond promptly to reduce escalation and potential further Ombudsman involvement.
- Identify and escalate service issues where necessary to help prevent future service failure.
- Use data and feedback to support improved outcomes for residents.
About You
We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:
Experience
- A track record of effective decision‑making, particularly in relation to financial matters.
- Experience managing competing priorities in a busy environment.
- Experience of working empathetically with residents or customers.
Skills
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across services.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise conflicting deadlines.
- High attention to detail, particularly when assessing compensation claims.
- Ability to work with sensitive and complex cases, including vulnerable residents.
Knowledge
- Understanding of legislative requirements and regulatory frameworks in housing.
- Awareness of local government processes and the role of regulatory bodies.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Ombudsman & Compensation Assistant in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on resident satisfaction, the role of Ombudsman & Compensation Assistant offers meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the council's status as a Disability Confident Leader highlights its dedication to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ombudsman & Compensation Assistant in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at WMJobs.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from WMJobs!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like WMJobs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at WMJobs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Ombudsman & Compensation Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.