Benefits Officer

South Hams District Council; Totnes; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

South Hams District Council is seeking an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer to join the Revenue and Benefits Service in Totnes. The role focuses on assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims accurately and efficiently, with an emphasis on adapting to legislative changes and maintaining high standards of accuracy.

The successful candidate will handle sensitive benefit cases with professionalism and compassion, and must complete a Basic DBS check.

Qualifications

• Experience as Benefits Assessment Officer or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Ability to adapt to changes in legislation and guidance.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Professional and compassionate communication, especially with residents.
• Willingness to undergo Basic DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Assess Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims accurately and efficiently.
• Support residents with benefit enquiries in a professional manner.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy while managing a demanding workload.

Job description

Benefits Officer

Our Revenue and Benefits Service is proud of the high-quality support we provide to our residents and is looking for an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer to join our busy team. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to help deliver our Benefits Service by assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims accurately and efficiently.

The successful candidate will have previous experience working as a Benefits Assessment Officer and will understand the importance of adapting quickly to changes in legislation, guidance, and working practices. You will have a strong working knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage a demanding workload while maintaining high standards of accuracy.

You will also recognise the sensitive nature of benefit claims and be able to provide support to residents in a professional, understanding, and compassionate manner. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Basic DBS check.

If you have the skills, experience, and commitment to succeed in this challenging and rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company: South Hams District Council

Salary: £29,542 to £33,119 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Totnes, TQ9 5NE

Working pattern: Hybrid - 4 days remote

Job type: Contract

Posting date: 14 Oct 2026

Closing date: 8 Nov 2026

Summary

2 year fixed term contract