Benefit Officer

Publica Group; Coleford; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cash plan

Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work

Salary sacrifice car lease

Sickness cover

Income protection

Life assurance

Annual leave

Job summary

Publica Group is seeking a proactive Benefits Officer to join the Revenues and Benefits Team in Coleford. You will help residents navigate Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, taking ownership of cases and escalating complex issues to specialists when needed.

The role requires strong customer service, excellent communication, and attention to detail. Hybrid working is available, with office attendance during the first six months of probation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 qualifications equivalent to NVQ Level 2 or GCSE Grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Administer Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims in line with legislation and policy.
• Take ownership of customer cases and resolve issues.
• Escalate complex issues to technical specialists as required.
• Provide accurate, high-quality work and effective communication with residents.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

IT literacy

Education

GCSE/NVQ Level 2 equivalents (Maths & English)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

We're looking for a proactive and customer-focused individual to join our Revenues and Benefits Team as a Benefits Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in local government, helping residents navigate financial support services while working in a role that has a genuine impact on people's lives.

We will be responsible for administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims in line with legislation and council policy. You will take ownership of customer cases, working collaboratively with colleagues and escalating complex issues to technical specialists when required.

We're looking for someone who thrives on solving problems, enjoys working with people, and takes pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work. You'll be an effective communicator with strong attention to detail and the ability to make sound decisions based on evidence. Experience in Housing Benefits, welfare benefits, local government, or a similar environment would be beneficial, but most importantly, you'll bring a positive attitude, resilience, and a genuine commitment to supporting local residents.

Hybrid working is available however office attendance will be required Monday to Friday for the first six months of probation.

You will need

• At least 5 qualifications equivalent to NVQ Level 2 or GCSE Grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English
• Strong customer service and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
• Confidence using a range of IT systems, including Microsoft and Google applications
• Ability to remain calm and resilient in challenging situations

Special conditions

• Access to a vehicle for work purposes
• BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard check)

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What can we do for you

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of up to 7% of your earnings
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
• Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
• Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary

About Us

You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner Councils (West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Forest of Dean District Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services.

Publica is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.

Publica is a unique place to work, established to transform the way local services are delivered, fundamentally rethinking the way our services are designed and delivered in a digital era, making us a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.

Coleford

Woodgreen

Permanent

£33,341 - £34,799 per annum (26/27 NJC pay award pending)