Revenues and Benefits Apprentice

TEWKESBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL; England; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the United Kingdom is seeking an apprentice to maintain databases, ensure accurate billing, and provide exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate will have GCSEs in English and Maths and strong communication and IT skills. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. As an apprentice, you'll gain valuable experience in local government while working towards a recognized qualification.

Benefits

Cycle scheme

Car Scheme

Study leave

Free onsite parking

Reimbursed eyesight tests

Free flu jabs

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths at grade C minimum are required.
• Relevant qualifications and industry experience are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update databases for billing accuracy.
• Provide exceptional customer service across various communication channels.
• Ensure data accuracy in compliance with GDPR.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Problem solving skills

Administrative skills

Analytical skills

Initiative

Education

GCSE in English (grade C minimum)

GCSE in Maths (grade C minimum)

Job description

The role will be varied as you will be dealing with a wide variety of people and ICT systems, being responsible for data input and processing of information, and providing advice, helping to ensure customers receive accurate bills and correct benefit payments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update databases in accordance with legislation and local policy requirement
• Complete all training associated with the role within a timely fashion
• Administer prompt and accurate billing for council tax and business rates
• Assist in administration of discounts, exemptions and reliefs in line with current regulations
• To discuss and manage debtors accounts depending on their circumstances
• Provide exceptional level of customer service to our residents via all forms of communication
• To ensure data is accurate and up to date in line with local policy and GDPR
• To assist the Team Leader and Head of Service with annual billing preparation
• To undertake general office duties and assist on projects as and when required
• Ensuring that services are delivered in compliance with existing and new Health and Safety legislation and the Council's Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that duties are pursued in a safe manner with due regard to the Health and Safety of yourself and others
• To adhere to all relevant council policies and ensure they are properly complied with throughout the activities undertaken
• To carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope, levels and purpose of this job description, Consistently deal with customers politely and considerately, adapting your approach to meet customer and employer needs
• Achieve outcomes that the customer wants where possible. Where this is not possible, explain the reasons why. Evaluate and recommend alternative options
• Obtain all required information in the most effective way to allow tasks to be completed, considering each customers individual circumstances
• Interpret and evaluate all information to determine the relevant details for the required task
• Interpret and evaluate information to judge whether there is potential fraud indicated. Refer to the appropriate department where required
• Determine whether a dispute should lead to a change of decision and explain the reasons, using appropriate legislation
• Handle sensitive information securely and in line with current legislative requirements
• Analyse and use information and legislation to calculate amounts due when a customer first contacts your department (e.g. new claims or new accounts)
• Analyse and use information and legislation to correctly deal with changes in customers circumstances, recalculating amounts due where required
• Provide justification for any inferences drawn from available information
• Decide on the best method of recovery by evaluating the customers circumstances. Act on this judgment to start recovery of amounts due
• Use judgement to deal correctly with non-routine situations that arise
• Adapt your communication style and method to meet the individuals needs
• Communicate confidently by being personable, asking insightful questions and being able to negotiate effectively and respectfully
• Undertake activities to ensure knowledge stays current
• Take appropriate action within the limits of your authority to solve problems or make relevant colleagues aware of them
• Make accurate decisions based on the information available
• Support team members to achieve the best outcome for the team
• Request assistance or authorisation when required
• Communicate with other departments to achieve required outcomes
• Proficiently use the systems available to achieve tasks
• Refer to processes to determine the action to be taken
• Evaluate the customers financial position, assisting with personal budgeting where appropriate, or directing the customer to appropriate support.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English (grade C minimum)
• GCSE in Maths (grade C minimum)
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Key Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Initiative

Tewkesbury Borough Council is described as a friendly, supportive, and community-focused workplace. Employees appreciate the flexible working options, family-friendly policies, and a positive team culture. The council offers modern offices in a historic setting, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development. Staff often highlight the welcoming environment, helpful colleagues, and the chance to make a real difference in the local community.

As an apprentice at Tewkesbury Borough Council, you'll be part of a friendly and supportive team that serves the local community across a diverse and vibrant borough. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in local government while working towards a nationally recognized qualification. https://tewkesbury.gov.uk/

Benefits

• Cycle scheme
• Car Scheme
• Study leave
• Free onsite parking
• Reimbursed eyesight tests
• Free flu jabs

Disability Confident: A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You'll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

Potential Career Path

• Council Tax Officer
• Business Rates Officer
• Benefits Officer
• Benefits Assessor
• Welfare Officer
• Revenues and Benefits Officer
• Benefit Advisor
• Welfare Support Worker/Advisors