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.
The Benefit and Money Advisor will work as part of a dedicated team of Benefit and Money and Income Collection Officers. The Benefit and Money Advisors provide a comprehensive welfare benefits and money/financial inclusion advice service to residents with the aim of maximising their income and minimising rent arrears, in particular to be responsible for the engagement of existing and new residents and staff, providing information and advice on the Welfare Reform changes as they relate to Housing and other Benefits, ensuring a proactive approach to supporting residents affected by the changes.
Who We Are Looking For:
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
* A comprehensive and up to date knowledge of welfare benefits and the statutory framework in which they operate.
* Extensive knowledge of the welfare reform changes as they affect tenant benefit claimants.
* Detailed understanding of local, regional and national financial inclusion and voluntary and community networks desirable.
* Proven experience of providing money advise such as budgeting.
* Ability to work alone and to carry out home visits.
* 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.
* Ability to communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences in writing or verbally.
* Successfully facilitating groups or providing training or presentations.
* A flexible approach to work demands and caseloads.
* The ability to build effective relationships with Officers and the wider Housing team.
* Good IT 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.
What Can We Offer?
We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, such as:
* Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
* An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension.
* A generous annual leave provision.
* A 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 an Enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.
A full, clean and valid UK driving license is required for this role and use of a motor vehicle for business use.
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, Senior Housing Officer, on Graeme.Cook@Dover.Gov.Uk or on 01304 872228
The closing date for applications is Sunday 6 July 2025.
Date of interviews to be confirmed.
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