Benefits Officer

Connected Local Government; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Maidenhead seeks an enthusiastic Benefits Officer to provide essential services regarding financial assistance with housing and council tax. The ideal candidate will have customer-facing experience, knowledge of housing benefits, and excellent communication skills. The role involves accurate processing of benefits and ensuring compliance with legislative changes. The position offers 32 days of annual leave, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Local Government Pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to retail discounts

Qualifications

• Proven skills in a customer-facing environment.
• Ability to meet demanding performance targets.
• Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for processing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Manage applications for discretionary housing payments.
• Provide high-quality service to residents needing financial assistance.

Skills

Customer-facing skills

Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

Capita Academy processing system

Civica document management system

Job description

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 benefits officer to join our team.

The Role:

As part of the wider Revenues and Benefits Service you will have a key role in providing a high-quality service to its residents, who need financial assistance with their rental liability and/or Council Tax.

Your role will involve:

• You will be responsible for accurate and effective processing of both Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support using the Capita Academy processing system and Civica document management system.
• The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The service also deals with application for discretionary housing payments.

What we are looking for:

• You will have proven skills and experience in a customer facing environment, with the ability to meet demanding performance targets.
• Knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal and be able to manage your own workload.
• Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines and able to work on your own and as part of a team.
• Ability to keep up to date with relevant legislative changes.
• Conscientious attitude and attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
• Enthusiastic about doing an excellent job and delivering results.
• Flexible approach to work to accommodate changing priorities.

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: TBC

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Michael Doyle (Benefits Team Leader) on [e-mail]

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.