Benefits Officer

Reed; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization is seeking a dedicated Benefits Officer in Maidenhead to accurately assess Housing Benefit and Council Tax claims. The role requires excellent communication skills, knowledge of welfare legislation, and the ability to handle sensitive situations. Competitive hourly rate and flexible working hours are offered, alongside the chance to contribute significantly to community service.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Flexible working hours

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Good basic qualifications, including 4 GCSEs with passes in English and Maths.
• Previous experience in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments.
• Driven by individual and team targets, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Accurately assess Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Discretionary Housing Payment claims.
• Manage priorities to minimize subsidy loss due to delays.
• Handle customer enquiries with accuracy and care.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Experience in Housing Benefit assessments

Ability to handle sensitive situations

Knowledge of Welfare Benefits Legislation

Proven ability to meet deadlines

Education

4 GCSEs including English and Maths

Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service

Tools

Capita Advantage assessment software

Civica Document Imaging Software

Job description

Benefits Officer

• Annual Salary: £16.64 per hour
• Location: Maidenhead
• Job Type: Full-time, Immediate Start

We are seeking a dedicated Benefits Officer to join our team within the local authority. This role involves assessing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction claims, and Discretionary Housing Payments. The ideal candidate will ensure prompt and accurate assessments, balancing the need to deliver personalised service to claimants with the protection of the council’s financial interests.

Day-to-day of the role

• Accurately and promptly assess Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Discretionary Housing Payment claims in line with relevant regulations and performance targets.
• Manage priorities effectively to minimise subsidy loss due to overpayments caused by delays and errors.
• Ensure effective recovery of overpayments of Housing Benefit or identify them as non-recoverable in accordance with legislation.
• Utilise the council document imaging system to manage all correspondence and documents related to claims, ensuring proper management as directed by the team leader.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of benefit legislation, adapting to changes as notified in DWP Circulars.
• Ensure correct liability on Council Tax account information for customers and resolve any discrepancies affecting financial awards.
• Develop fraud awareness and refer potential fraud cases to the appropriate investigative teams.
• Handle customer enquiries via written, face-to-face, and telephone interactions, providing accurate information and maintaining a high level of customer care.
• Respond to all requests and enquiries in a professional, timely, and effective manner, adhering to best practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Good basic qualifications, including 4 GCSEs with passes in English and Maths.
• Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments.
• Knowledge of Welfare Benefits Legislation.
• Experience using Capita Advantage assessment and Civica Document Imaging Software or similar systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to handle sensitive and difficult situations with consideration.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Driven by individual and team targets, demonstrating honesty, integrity, and discretion.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Flexible working hours, including the possibility of working outside core hours and across various locations.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant community service.
• Supportive team environment.

To apply for the Benefits Officer position, please submit your CV