Who You Are You are an experienced Benefits Officer with a proven track record of working in a customer-oriented environment. You have a deep understanding of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction regulations, backed by experience in processing a variety of benefit claims. Your ability to communicate complex information effectively to a diverse audience is essential. You are a motivated team player, capable of working under pressure and handling sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. You are well-versed in using IT packages and respect the confidential nature of your work. You possess the necessary qualifications and desire to contribute to a team focused on delivering excellent customer service. What the Job Involves This role requires you to administer Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction schemes in compliance with relevant legislation, ensuring accurate and timely processing of claims. You will be the first point of contact for benefit applicants, providing support, advice, and answering queries through various communication channels. Your responsibilities will include processing new claims, handling changes in circumstance, and assessing discretionary housing payment applications. You will contribute to achieving the Welfare & Benefits Service objectives, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure efficient service delivery while maintaining accurate, secure, and confidential data records. Skills Experience in a customer-oriented organization High standards of accuracy and efficiency Understanding of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction regulations Excellent communication skills Proficient in standard IT packages (e.g., Microsoft Office) Ability to handle sensitive and complex issues professionally Strong time and workload management skills Effective decision-making and risk assessment abilities Familiarity with NEC systems and document management