The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference REQ00000017954
Date posted 20/02/2025
Application closing date 06/03/2025
Location Barrow-in-Furness
Salary £31,067 to £31,586
Contractual hours 37
Basis Full time
SENIOR BENEFIT OFFICER (WMF1903e)
Location: Barrow
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking to recruit a Senior Benefit Officer to work within the Benefits Team. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Revenues and Benefits service.
The Benefits team provides a vital service for its residents, where support is given to those on the lowest income with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims. You should have previous experience of administering and processing all types of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims, in accordance with Regulations and the Councils procedures and policies. You will undertake more complex cases that will require a more detailed understanding of relevant service processes and compliance, regulations, and legislation in all aspects of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, including supported accommodation, self-employed, students and Persons from Abroad assessments. You should be an excellent team player with good communication skills and able to respond to enquiries in a polite and professional way. Remote/hybrid working will be considered for the right candidate.
Who we are looking for…
* Have experience of working in a local authority Benefits Team
* Possess and maintain a working knowledge of Housing Benefit Regulations and other welfare benefits and an ability to comply with those Regulations.
* Be educated to GCSE or equivalent or extensive experience of working in a Benefits environment.
* Have an excellent working knowledge of a Revenues & Benefit System
* Have excellent communication skills with a range of different audiences.
* Be able to work on your own initiative.
* Experience in resolving complex benefits cases.
* Have the ability to provide technical advice and guidance to customers, colleagues, and external organisations, in the most appropriate way.
* A flare for working with systems and well-developed ICT skills, with an ability to learn new systems quickly.
* A proven ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines with high levels of accuracy.
* Proven ability to be accurate, detailed and professional in approach to work.
* Proven ability to deliver high standards and good customer service.
* Proven ability to analyse and respond to requests and understanding when to escalate a case.
* Proven ability in decision making with minimum supervision.
* Proven ability to work in an agile way.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below documents:
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please email Marina Jepson on Marina.Jepson@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Application and Interview information
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
DBS
This role requires a basic DBS check
Safer Recruitment
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr