Trainee Revenues & Benefits Officer – Apprenticeship

Isle of Wight Council; Ryde; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and holidays

Local Government pension scheme

Relocation scheme up to £8,000 (where/

Travel allowance possible if commuting

Discounted Solent ferry travel

Island bus network discount

Cycle to work scheme

Staff parking permit scheme

Discounted island sports & leisure gym

National and local discounts & schemes

Job summary

The Isle of Wight Council is seeking a part-time Trainee Revenues and Benefits Officer to support billing, assessment, collection and recovery of Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support. The role is office based with potential for agile or remote working, and a fixed term appointment to end November 2028.

You will assess liability for Council Tax, process Housing Benefit claims, maintain records, and assist with recovery actions.

Qualifications

• Excellent numeracy and accuracy in all tasks.
• Ability to liaise with customers and internal teams.
• Proven ability to meet strict deadlines in performance-driven environments.
• Interest in apprenticeship training.

Responsibilities

• Assessing liability for Council Tax and processing claims for Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support.
• Ensuring customer accounts and benefit claims are accurate, verified, and kept up to date.
• Identifying and applying relevant discounts, exemptions, reliefs, and changes in circumstances.
• Monitoring, processing, and reconciling payments, including identifying and recovering overpayments.
• Maintaining Council Tax, Business Rates, Benefit, and Support Scheme records in line with legislation and procedures.
• Undertaking enquiries, gathering evidence, and liaising with inspectors, landlords, external agencies, and internal departments.
• Supporting customers by providing clear advice, signposting to wider services, and assisting with welfare-related enquiries.
• Managing incoming and outgoing customer calls, emails, and correspondence.
• Taking appropriate recovery actions, including enforcement and court-related processes, when required.

Skills

Word processing

Numeracy

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Deadline-driven

Education

Level 4 IRRV Revenues and Benefits Apprenticeship

Job description

The Isle of Wight Council is seeking a part-time Trainee Revenues and Benefits Officer to support billing, assessment, collection and recovery of Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support. The role is office based with potential for agile or remote working, and a fixed term appointment to end November 2028.

You will assess liability for Council Tax, process Housing Benefit claims, maintain records, and assist with recovery actions.