Are you proactive and detail-oriented, with a passion for delivering excellent customer service? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, multi-channel environment and enjoy making a real difference in your community? Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking a skilled Council Tax & Benefits Officer to join our dynamic Council Tax, Benefits & Welfare Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a service that supports residents across the district by ensuring accurate billing, collection, and benefit processing.
What You'll Be Doing:
1. Acting as the first point of contact for Council Tax and Benefits enquiries across various platforms (phone, email, web chat).
2. Processing applications and changes efficiently and accurately in line with legislation and council procedures.
3. Supporting customers to self-serve and signposting to relevant agencies for additional support.
4. Managing Council Tax accounts, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction claims, and recovery processes.
5. Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver joined-up services.
6. Demonstrating strong communication skills and attention to detail.
7. Managing multiple tasks and prioritising effectively.
8. Having a customer-focused approach with experience in administrative or support service roles.
9. Being IT proficient, particularly in Microsoft Office.
10. Being available to work at least one day per week from our Civic Centre offices.
11. For Level 2 applicants: having demonstrable experience in Council Tax or Benefits administration and the ability to handle complex cases independently.
Why Join Us?
Folkestone & Hythe District Council offers a supportive and inclusive working environment with a wide range of benefits:
* Up to 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
* Flexible, agile, and hybrid working options.
* Participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Opportunities for learning and development to support your career growth.
* Family-friendly policies and health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
* Salary sacrifice schemes for cycling to work and lease cars.
* Corporate discounts on shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, and more.
* Free office parking and a town centre location close to transport links.
#J-18808-Ljbffr