We’re recruiting an experienced Benefits Assessment Officer to join a busy Revenues & Benefits team, responsible for assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims accurately and efficiently.
This role plays a key part in ensuring residents receive their correct entitlement while minimising overpayments, reducing fraud risk and maximising subsidy income to the Council. The successful candidate will need strong legislative knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to manage complex caseloads within strict performance targets.
Responsibilities
* Assess new Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims and changes in circumstances in line with current legislation and policy.
* Interpret and apply complex government legislation to determine accurate entitlement.
* Handle specialised cases including self‑employed applicants, students and persons from abroad.
* Compile and verify necessary evidence to ensure accurate calculations and legally compliant notifications.
* Respond to correspondence from customers, landlords, the DWP, Rent Service and other stakeholders.
* Process reconsiderations, statements of reasons and back‑dated benefit requests.
* Provide advice on Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit and wider welfare reform.
* Liaise with internal teams including Housing, Revenues and Debt & Welfare teams to ensure correct entitlement and support vulnerable clients.
* Identify, categorise and process overpayments in accordance with legislation.
* Maintain accurate Council Tax records where changes are identified.
* Manage own workload effectively to meet performance targets and statutory timescales.
* Identify potential fraud cases and refer appropriately to the Corporate Fraud team.
* Keep up to date with legislative changes and procedural updates within Revenues & Benefits.
Key Requirements
* Experience assessing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims.
* Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and welfare benefits.
* Ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations accurately.
* Experience handling complex cases and managing high‑volume workloads.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal sensitively with vulnerable customers.
* Ability to prioritise work effectively while maintaining high accuracy levels.
* Experience working with IT systems and Microsoft products.
* Experience using Capita or Northgate Revenues & Benefits systems is desirable.
* IRRV Technician qualification is desirable.
* GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent literacy and numeracy skills).
* Strong understanding of equalities and supporting diverse customer needs.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, click APPLY NOW and send us your application today. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.
Additional Information
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We regularly recruit for Benefits Assessment Officers, Revenues Officers and Welfare Benefits roles across the UK and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially.
Even if you are currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from experienced Revenues & Benefits professionals looking to make future connections.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third‑party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
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