Debt and Welfare Benefits Officer

West Northamptonshire Council; Northampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking a Debt and Welfare Benefits Officer to support residents with financial assessments, benefit eligibility, and debt options. The role demands strong communication and negotiation skills, along with a recognized qualification in debt advice or welfare benefits. Join a dedicated team focused on improving lives amid rising demand due to the cost of living crisis.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of welfare benefits and debt advice casework.
• Ability to understand and explain complex government legislation.

Responsibilities

• Completing financial assessments to maximize income and minimize expenditure.
• Checking eligibility for benefits and supporting residents through the appeals process.
• Negotiating and liaising with creditors.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Advocacy

Education

Recognized qualification in debt advice or welfare benefits

Job description

West Northamptonshire Council has been on a dynamic journey of transformation since becoming a unitary authority in April 2021. We have an exciting opportunity in our Debt and Money Advice team as a Debt and Welfare Benefits Officer. The team offers a full range of debt and benefit support to our residents, including maximizing income, reducing debt, and providing budgeting advice.

The successful candidate will support the recent increase in demand due to the cost of living crisis, ensuring we continue to deliver valuable services to the residents of West Northamptonshire.

The role is based at One Angel, with work at other offices as required, including offsite home visits.

Our Benefits

You can see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.

What will you be doing?

1. Completing financial assessments to maximize income and minimize expenditure for residents.
2. Checking eligibility for benefits, completing forms, and supporting residents through the appeals process, including court representation where necessary.
3. Exploring debt options for residents and supporting their execution.
4. Negotiating and liaising with creditors.
5. Collaborating with internal and external partners to support residents fully.
6. Recording outcomes and work completed on our software system.

About you

In-depth knowledge of welfare benefits and/or debt advice casework, along with the ability to understand and explain complex government legislation, is essential. Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills are also required.

You should demonstrate the ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.

Skills And Experience Needed

• A recognized qualification in debt advice or welfare benefits, or equivalent experience.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

About us

At West Northamptonshire Council, we value our people—those who are ambitious, innovative, and dedicated to improving services. Our culture encourages new experiences and opportunities, empowering your career and fostering a collaborative environment.

Our vision is to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit, and thrive. Our corporate values, THRIVE—Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower—guide our work and service delivery.

Learn more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about working at West Northamptonshire Council: https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU

We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, embedding these principles into all we do. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.

If you need support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

West Northamptonshire Council—where careers thrive.