Benefits Assessor

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexi leave up to 24 days per year

LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Job summary

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking experienced Benefits Assessors to join our Benefits team. The role is 37.0 hours per week, with hybrid working options and a salary band of £27,709 to £38,510 per annum.

Applicants can be appointed at Band C or Band D level depending on experience. Band D includes additional responsibilities such as handling complex complaints and MP enquiries, implementing new legislation, staff training, and data preparation for subsidies and audits.

Qualifications

• GCSEs Maths and English at grades A*-C (or equivalent Level 2).
• Excellent communication and numerical literacy for Housing Benefit processing.
• Ability to work to targets with accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Process new and change of circumstances claims for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit.
• Deal with queries from the public by telephone, email or letter.
• Liaise with other sections, departments and external bodies such as DWP, landlords and housing associations.
• Undertake report checking and analysis.
• Update office procedures and train staff within the division.
• Produce high quality, accurate work to agreed performance levels and service standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Accuracy

Attention to detail

Education

GCSEs Maths and English (A*-C / 4-9)

Job description

Hours:

37.0 Hours per Week

Band C/D - £27,709 to £38,510 per annum.

Candidates can be appointed at Band C or Band D level. Incremental progression between bands is dependent on experience, performance and undertaking the additional specified criteria of the Band D role.

We are looking for experienced Benefits Assessors with a passion for delivering high-quality customer service and with a detailed knowledge of Benefit legislation to join our Benefits team at Solihull Council.

You will be responsible for:

• Processing new and change of circumstances claims for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit.
• Dealing with queries and requests raised by members of the public by telephone, email or letter.
• Liaising with other sections, departments and outside bodies e.g. Department for Work and Pension, Landlords and Housing Associations.
• Undertaking report checking and analysis.
• Updating office procedures and training members of staff within the Division.
• Producing high quality, accurate work to agreed performance levels and meeting agreed service standards.

This is a career graded post and applicants can be appointed at a grade C or D dependant on their level of existing experience. At Band D level, your responsibilities will also include:

• Assisting in the investigation and collation of information for complex complaints and MP Enquiries.
• Making appropriate revisions and decisions on reconsiderations in relation to Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction entitlement.
• Assisting with the implementation of new legislation and budget announcements, reading Government guidance, making recommendations what to test, developing test plans, carrying out the testing and reporting any issues.
• Assisting with staff development and training and carrying out accuracy checking where appropriate.
• Assisting with the preparation of data for subsidy, subsidy workbooks and audits.
• Reviewing, analysing and making decisions on Specified and Supported Exempt Accommodation of all types.

To join our team, you will need GCSEs Maths and English grades A*-C or 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications) or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of numeracy and literacy skills regarding processing Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction. Great communication skills, accuracy and attention to detail are also essential.

As an employee Solihull Council offers you:

• A friendly working environment with a range of flexible and agile working options including flexi leave up to 24 days per year. The role will be on a hybrid basis and include a combination of office and home-based working.
• Generous annual leave entitlements.
• Family and carer friendly policies.
• Opportunities for training and development.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24 hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee benefits including a staff discount card.

We are currently implementing our Smarter Ways of Working strategy, as we recognise that work is what you do and not necessarily where you go.

Whilst your geographical location isn’t important, you will need to be able to commute to our offices in Solihull as required in order to fulfil the needs of the service. If you have any specific queries regarding our hybrid working, please get in touch.

If you enjoy a high paced working environment, have a passion for delivering high quality customer service and have expertise and skills within a Benefits environment, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Sulinder Mahey for an informal discussion on 0121 7048289

Interview date – Week commencing 16th November 2026

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post requires the following Disclosure and Barring check: DBS standard.

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate’s current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate’s next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

Attached documents
Band C_D Benefit Assessor JDPS Oct 26_.docx