Description
As a Benefits Officer, you will assess and review claims, changes in circumstances and entitlement in line with legislation, Council policy and procedures.
You will manage your own caseload, make sound evidence-based decisions, explain outcomes clearly and identify issues that could affect entitlement, overpayments or subsidy.
You will also contribute to service improvement by sharing learning, supporting consistent practice and suggesting better ways of working.
Responsibilities:
- Assess new claims, changes in circumstances and reviews for Housing Benefit and Council Tax.
- Calculate entitlement accurately using relevant systems and, where required, manual calculations.
- Consider complex cases, including self-employed claimants, students, people from abroad and eligible housing costs.
- Identify overpayments, recommend appropriate recovery action and refer suspected fraud in accordance with procedures.
- Communicate decisions clearly and courteously to residents, landlords, colleagues and partner organisations.
- Manage and prioritise your workload to meet service standards, targets and performance indicators.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy and procedures and apply learning consistently.
- Support quality assurance, peer learning and practical improvements that help the service get decisions right first time.
Requirements:
- Good experience of assessing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or comparable means-tested benefits.
- Ability to interpret legislation, guidance and evidence and translate them into accurate decisions.
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
- Clear and respectful communication skills, including when explaining complex or sensitive decisions.
- Effective planning and prioritisation skills, with ability to take ownership and work confidently with guidance.
- Commitment to excellent customer service, equality, confidentiality and safeguarding.
- Positive attitude to working with colleagues and partners, with willingness to share knowledge and support others.
- Adaptability, keenness to learn and motivation to improve both personal practice and wider service delivery.