Senior Benefits Assessor

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Dudley; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority is seeking a Senior Benefits Assessor to enhance their Housing Benefit service. The role involves assessing complex claims, training colleagues, and ensuring financial integrity while maximizing support for vulnerable residents. Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of experience, a strong grasp of benefit legislation, and exceptional communication skills to help those in need. The position offers a compassionate role with a commitment to outstanding customer service and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in Benefits Assessing.
• Strong understanding of benefit legislation and local procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to make accurate decisions based on financial information.

Responsibilities

• Assess and process complex Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims.
• Authorise and recommend Discretionary Awards.
• Provide training and mentoring to colleagues.

Skills

Benefits assessing

Communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Customer service

Tools

NEC Revenues and Benefits

NEC Document Management System

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Benefits Assessor

Full Time / Permanent

Salary: Grade 7 (£31,537 - £34,434)

Agile Working (Dudley Town Centre/Home)

Are you an experienced Benefits professional looking to take the next step in your career?

We’re looking for a highly motivated and compassionate Senior Benefits Assessor to join our team and play a key role in delivering a high-quality Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction service to our residents. As a Senior Benefits Assessor, you will use your extensive knowledge of Benefit legislation to assess complex cases accurately and efficiently, authorise discretionary awards, and support colleagues through guidance and training. You will help ensure that residents receive the financial support they are entitled to, while protecting public funds and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and customer care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and process complex Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims, applying legislation and local policy with accuracy and efficiency.
• Authorise and recommend Discretionary Awards, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance with policy.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentoring to colleagues to promote learning, consistency, and professional development across the team.
• Analyse complex situations, identify appropriate actions, and make informed, evidence-based decisions.
• Respond professionally and empathetically to customer, partner, and stakeholder enquiries by phone, in writing, and via email.
• Work both independently and collaboratively, managing your workload effectively while supporting team objectives.
• Contribute to service improvements, helping to identify and implement ways to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
• Support financially vulnerable residents, ensuring that fraud and error are minimised and that public funds are maximised to help those in genuine need.
• Act as a supportive and approachable colleague, fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in assessing complex Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction cases.
• A minimum of 3 years Benefits Assessing experience.
• Strongunderstanding of benefit legislation, policy, and local procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse financial and personal information to make accurate, fair, and timely decisions.
• Excellent communication skills — able to explain complex information clearly and sensitively to a range of audiences.
• Experience in training, mentoring, or supporting colleagues in a similar environment.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Commitment to providing outstanding customer service and maintaining high professional standards.
• Experience of calculating and approving Discretionary Housing Payments and Discretionary Council Tax Payments.
• An understanding of Self-Employed Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction cases.
• A good working knowledge on how Universal Credit is applied to a local Council Tax Benefit/Reduction Scheme.
• A working knowledge of the overpayments process and ensuring the most efficient recovery method is applied.

Technical Requirements

• Proven experience with NEC Revenues and Benefits.
• Proven experience with NEC Document Management System.Proven experience with Microsoft Office applications.

If you are an experienced Benefits Assessor ready to take on more responsibility — supporting your team, your service, and your community — we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us make a real difference for residents who rely on our support.

Workplace Attendance: Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time.