Benefits Assessment Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Walthamstow; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced DBS

Hybrid work pattern

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited seeks a Benefits Support Officer for a 4-month contract with a local authority in Walthamstow. The role focuses on Crisis Support Payments, Housing-related payments, and safeguarding, with emphasis on assisting residents in financial hardship.

You will engage residents by phone, assess needs, and provide budgeting advice, while coordinating with Housing Benefits, Council Tax Support, and debt prevention services.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a Benefits, Revenues, or financial support environment.
• Experience supporting vulnerable customers or those in financial hardship.
• Proven ability to manage caseloads and deliver outcomes within deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for Crisis Support Payments and Housing-related payments accurately and in line with policy.
• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions, prioritising urgent and vulnerable cases.
• Ensure all awards are fully assessed, verified, and recorded.
• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
• Proactively engage with residents (primarily via telephone) to assess financial needs.
• Identify opportunities to increase household income, including benefit entitlement and grants.
• Support residents in reducing expenditure through budgeting, utility savings, and debt management.
• Provide tailored, holistic financial advice based on individual circumstances.
• Refer residents to appropriate internal teams and external agencies (e.g., debt advice services and voluntary organizations).

Skills

Caseload management

Benefit payments processing

Resident engagement

Financial advice

Education

Qualification in Benefits/Finance/Public Services

Job description

Walthamstow, United Kingdom | Posted on 04/06/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation.  That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

4-month contract position with a local authority

Summary

• This is a 4-month contract position with a local authority, focused on delivering a targeted, customer-focused service as part of the Council’s Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF). The role is crucial in supporting residents experiencing or at risk of financial hardship. Responsibilities include administering crisis and housing-related payments, working with residents to maximize income, reduce expenditure, and build long-term financial resilience. The postholder will also contribute to the broader Benefits service delivery, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, and debt prevention activities.
  

Responsibilities

• Process applications for Crisis Support Payments and Housing-related payments accurately and in line with policy.
  
• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions, prioritising urgent and vulnerable cases.
  
• Ensure all awards are fully assessed, verified, and recorded.
  
• Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns where appropriate.
  
• Proactively engage with residents (primarily via telephone) to assess financial needs.
  
• Identify opportunities to increase household income, including benefit entitlement and grants.
  
• Support residents in reducing expenditure through budgeting, utility savings, and debt management.
  
• Provide tailored, holistic financial advice based on individual circumstances.
  
• Refer residents to appropriate internal teams and external agencies (e.g., debt advice services and voluntary organizations).
  

Essential Experience Required

• Experience working in a Benefits, Revenues, or financial support environment.
  
• Experience supporting vulnerable customers or those in financial hardship.
  
• Proven ability to manage caseloads and deliver outcomes within deadlines.
  

Essential Qualifications Required

• Relevant qualification in Benefits, Finance, Public Services, or a related field (desirable).
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development within welfare benefits or financial inclusion.
  
• Safeguarding training (desirable).
  

Additional Information

• Working hours: 36 hours per week.
  
• Enhanced DBS required.
  
• Location: Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JF, United Kingdom.
  
• Work pattern: 1-2 days per week in the office, 3-4 days remote.
  
• The role closes on 8th June 2026, apply ASAP.