About The Role
We are looking for a motivated and customer-focused Benefits Officer to join our Revenues and Benefits Team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in public service, helping residents access essential financial support while working within a supportive and knowledgeable team.
You will be responsible for administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims in line with legislation and council policy. You will take ownership of customer cases, working collaboratively with colleagues and escalating complex issues to technical specialists when required.
This role can be worked from any of our councils including Cotswold, West Oxfordshire and Forest of Dean.
Hybrid working is available however office attendance will be required Monday to Friday for the first six months of probation.
You will need At least 5 qualifications equivalent to NVQ Level 2 or GCSE Grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English
Strong customer service and communication skills (written and verbal)
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise workload
Confidence using a range of IT systems, including Microsoft and Google applications
Ability to remain calm and resilient in challenging situations
Special conditions Access to a vehicle for work purposes
BPSS
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
What can we do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of up to 7% of your earnings
Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary
To apply for this position please click on "apply now" within this page and submit your CV and supporting statement. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. Its important that were a good fit for each other, so let us know whats important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd.
Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
About The Organisation
You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner Councils (West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Forest of Dean District Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services.
Publica is committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.
Publica is a unique place to work, established to transform the way local services are delivered, fundamentally rethinking the way our services are designed and delivered in a digital era, making us a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.
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