BENEFIT OFFICER

Coventry City Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking proactive individuals for full-time Benefit Officer roles. Responsibilities include assessing Universal Credit claims and awarding Local Council Tax Support and Free School Meals. Candidates must possess excellent customer service skills and a strong understanding of welfare reforms. The role is permanent and requires effective organization in a fast-paced environment, with applications open to those with the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

Comprehensive rewards and benefits package

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills and knowledge of welfare reforms, especially Universal Credit's effects on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Numeracy skills for assessing claims accurately.
• Knowledge of Welfare Benefits and confidentiality importance.
• Keyboard skills for data input and communication.
• Ability to write responses to complex enquiries.
• Effective organization and prioritization skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess customers receiving Universal Credit.
• Award Local Council Tax Support and Free School Meals.
• Ensure prompt and accurate processing of claims using IT systems.

Skills

Customer service skills

Knowledge of welfare reforms

Numeracy skills

Knowledge of Welfare Benefits

Data input and communication skills

Ability to write responses

Organizational skills

Prioritization skills

Job description

Coventry City Council’s Benefits Service is comprised of diverse, multi-talented teams who all have the same aim: to help the city’s most vulnerable residents. Our work is varied and covers the assessment and administration of schemes that provide financial help and support for those in need.

Specifically, the teams are responsible for the delivery of:

1. Housing Benefit and Discretionary Housing Payments, administered on behalf of the Department for Works and Pensions, including recovery of overpaid housing benefit.
2. Council Tax Support, a local scheme that helps residents with their Council Tax charges.
3. Free School Meals, working closely with schools to ensure every entitled child receives a free meal.
4. Community Support Grant Scheme, assisting in emergency situations and helping citizens resettle into the community by providing essential furniture items.

We embrace the ONE COVENTRY approach, working closely with external partners and other Council teams such as Housing, Homelessness, and Children’s services to support our residents holistically.

Our Values

Aligned with our One Coventry Values, we aim to reflect our community in our workforce. We are committed to being a truly inclusive organization that encourages diversity of all kinds, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled, and neurodiverse communities to help us maintain equity and respect in all we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best.
• Engage and empower: We listen and work together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver excellent services.
• Value and respect: We prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Job Role

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are not offering sponsorship for this role.

We seek proactive, motivated individuals for full-time, permanent positions responsible for assessing customers receiving Universal Credit, awarding Local Council Tax Support, and Free School Meals. You will work as part of a team of Benefit Officers to ensure prompt and accurate processing of claims using our Revenues and Benefits IT systems.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and requires a satisfactory DBS check.

Candidate Requirements

• Good customer service skills and knowledge of welfare reforms, especially Universal Credit's effects on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Numeracy skills for assessing claims accurately.
• Knowledge of Welfare Benefits and confidentiality importance.
• Keyboard skills for data input and communication.
• Ability to write responses to complex enquiries.
• Effective organization and prioritization skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.

For application support, visit our accessibility page. For details on the application process, see the 'Coventry City Council Application Process' document on our jobs page.

We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for eligible groups, including Armed Forces members, those in or previously in care, and individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Note: Applications suspected of using AI without justification will be rejected.

Interview Dates

• Assessment: Tuesday 26 August 2025 at Coventry Council House
• Interviews: Thursday 28 & Friday 29 August 2025 at One Friargate Station Square, Coventry

About Coventry

Coventry is a vibrant, diverse city with a proud history of community spirit and social change. Our staff of around 5,100 from varied backgrounds is committed to excellence and making a difference. Join us and enjoy a comprehensive rewards and benefits package. More info at our vacancies page.