Overview
Are you committed to delivering high-quality public service? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and skilled Benefit Assessment Officer to join our Finance and Property Service team. Reporting to the Quality and Performance Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and timely assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction for our valued customers.
Responsibilities
* Conducting thorough assessments of benefit applications, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
* Providing advice and guidance to customers regarding their benefit entitlements.
* Collaborating with other departments and external organisations to gather necessary information for accurate assessments.
* Ensuring the timely processing of benefit claims, changes in circumstances, and cancellations.
* Contributing to the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records and databases.
* Assisting in the implementation of improvements to benefit assessment processes and procedures.
About You
* Experience working in a similar role within a local authority or public sector environment.
* Sound knowledge of benefit legislation, regulations, and best practices.
* Strong assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with customers and stakeholders.
* Organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
* Access to a wide range of relevant training and development opportunities.
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Family-friendly policies to support your personal and professional commitments.
* A range of local discounts, offering great savings on shopping, entertainment, and leisure activities.
* Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
How to Apply
Please complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.
This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr