Crisis & Benefits Navigator

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a motivated Benefits Officer to join the Crisis and Resilience Fund team and help deliver timely financial support to residents in hardship.

You will assist with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support applications, provide crisis support, signpost services, and collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve positive outcomes while handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a customer-focused environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and in plain English.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload effectively.
• Sound decision-making skills and attention to detail.
• Experience of handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
• A flexible and positive approach to learning new skills and responding to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis support to residents experiencing financial hardship.
• Promote welfare benefit take-up and identify opportunities for additional support.
• Signpost and refer residents to relevant internal and external services.
• Assess and process applications in line with legislation, policy and guidance.
• Respond to customer enquiries by telephone, correspondence and face-to-face contact.
• Work closely with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes for residents.
• Handle highly sensitive personal information with professionalism and discretion.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the Crisis and Resilience Fund service.

Skills

Customer-focused

Communication

Organisation

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Job description

Dorset Council is seeking a motivated Benefits Officer to join the Crisis and Resilience Fund team and help deliver timely financial support to residents in hardship.

You will assist with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support applications, provide crisis support, signpost services, and collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve positive outcomes while handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.