Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.
As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivery services they are passionate about.
The Role & Responsibilities:
Dover District Council are committed to delivering an excellent customer focused, housing management service. To help us achieve this, we are looking to recruit a dynamic, skilled and high performing individual who shares our commitment to delivering excellence across the housing sector. Housing matters. You can help make the difference.
We are looking for a proactive Benefit and Money Advisor to join our dedicated team of Benefit and Money and Income Recovery Officers. This is a dual role that combines tenant support with direct engagement around rent arrears and financial inclusion.
You will provide a comprehensive welfare benefits and money/financial inclusion service to residents, helping them to maximise their income and maintain their tenancies. You will support tenants in navigating the benefits system, particularly around Housing Benefit and Universal Credit, and ensure they are equipped to meet their rent obligations. A key part of this role involves keeping tenants and staff informed about Welfare Reform changes and their impact on housing payments.
You will work closely with Income Recovery Officers to engage tenants who are not paying their rent. You will conduct home visits to discuss rent arrears, explore financial circumstances, and explain the potential consequences of court action or eviction. You must be confident in handling difficult conversations both in person and over the phone, in order to support tenants and minimise rent arrears.
Good ICT skills are essential, as you will be responsible for recording all tenant interactions on internal systems and managing cases via the Universal Credit portal.
Who We Are Looking For:
* Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of welfare benefits and the statutory framework in which they operate.
* A confident driver with a clean driving license, experienced in driving in all weather conditions and across a variety of road types.
* Proven experience of providing money advice such as budgeting.
* Ability to work alone and to carry out home visits.
* To be able to have difficult conversations in person and over the phone.
* Excellent interviewing, advocacy and negotiating skills.
* Ability to work efficiently under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
* GCSE English and Maths Grade C or above (Grades 4 – 9) or equivalent.
* Successfully facilitating groups or providing training or presentations.
* A flexible approach to work demands and caseloads.
* Good ICT skills including use of Microsoft Office package.
* Relevant experience of housing, debt and tenancy law or experience of working in a similar related field desirable.
* A relevant Housing, Welfare Benefits or Financial Inclusion qualification/accreditation would be desirable.
Typical Daily Tasks of B&M Officer
* Contact new tenants to explain their responsibility to pay rent, discuss payment methods, and offer guidance on budgeting and financial planning.
* Monitoring and managing the Universal Credit portal to verify claims, track payments and changes affecting tenants rent accounts.
* Conducting home visits for Notice and court discussions due to rent arrears.
* Conducting home visits for benefit support including assistance with completing PIP, DHP and Council Tax forms for those tenants requiring additional support.
* Proactively contacting tenants approaching pension age to ensure they are aware of upcoming changes to their benefits, supporting them to claim Housing Benefit and to help prevent potential rent arrears.
* Review the Housing Benefit suspended and cancelled claims list, and contact affected tenants to advise them on the steps required to reinstate their claims and prevent rent arrears.
What Can We Offer?
* Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
* Opt‑in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
* Generous annual leave provision
* Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
* On‑site parking
* Cycle2Work scheme
* Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Basic DBS check as well as a Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS) as part of their pre‑employment clearances.
A full valid UK driving license and use of a motor vehicle for business use is required for this role.
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post, then please contact Graeme.Cook@Dover.Gov.Uk 01304 872228.
The closing date for applications is 19th November 2025. Date of interviews to be confirmed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr