We have an exciting opportunity for a Financial Inclusion Officer to join us!
We are looking for a Financial Inclusion Officer to join our successful Benefits team.
This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £28,193 to £32,104 per annum.
About us:
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.
Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Financial Inclusion Officer to join our Benefits team.
The Role:
You will be working within our benefits team, you will be responsible for ensuring all residents have access to information for them to claim their full entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and Discretionary Housing Payments. You will also enable residents to apply for exemptions and discounts to reduce their Council Tax liability and assisting them in reducing Council Tax debt. You will also assist with applications for a range of other welfare benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
You will be able to give residents specialist advice and an awareness of wider welfare benefits and be able to refer residents to other financial support available locally and nationally so that their income is maximised. Providing financial inclusion advice to all our residents with the aim to improve their income and living standards.
Your role will involve:
Assisting residents with the timely and accurate completion of benefit forms including Council Tax Support, exemptions and discount applications.
Negotiating repayment arrangements of Council Tax arrears and other debts owed to the Local Authority.
Offering advice and support around managing debt, such as payment plans, and attachment to earnings as well as supporting in signposting residents to debt agencies, relevant charities and organisations.
What we are looking for:
A person with a sound knowledge of the functions, procedures and systems of Council Tax and Housing Benefit, Pension Service, DWP including Universal Credit and to be able to keep up to date with welfare benefit legislation and Government led changes.
An ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing with the ability to handle sensitive and situations professionally and calmly.
Able to prioritise work and meet deadlines in a pressured environment.
An ability to work flexibly, with a proven experience of home visiting to meet customer needs and the use of a vehicle with a clean driving licence.
A proven track record of resolving customer issues, being proactive and acting with honesty and integrity.
What we offer:
32 days annual leave
Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
Free employee parking close to the offices.
Give As You Earn scheme.
Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.
If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Interview dates: week commencing 5 May 2025
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Sarah Sneyd Benefit Assessment and Social Care finance Lead at sarah.sneyd@rbwm.gov.uk