Purpose of the job
Responsible for the efficient and accurate processing of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Free School Meals claims.
What the job actually requires
- Checking, verifying and processing all types of claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and free school meals, ensuring the correct calculation and payment of benefit.
- To have and maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation in order to ensure the accurate and efficient processing and payment of claims, minimising overpayments of benefit as a result.
- Check documentation provided by claimants for validity, and have the ability to identify fraudulent and altered documents.
- Be able to explain the Council and Government schemes in a clear and understanding way in person, over the telephone or in writing to customers.
- At all times to deal efficiently and sympathetically with sometimes difficult, aged or distressed customers.
About Us
The Benefits team is responsible for assessing all claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and free school meals. We are a small, friendly team with a strong customer focus, and a ‘can-do’ approach to serving our residents.
About You
Required essential experience/ qualifications/ skills and abilities
- Minimum 18 months Housing Benefit experience
- Experience of working in front line customer service
- Able to understand Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Regulations to ensure the prompt and accurate assessments and payment of Benefits.
- Able to follow set procedures and adapt quickly to new or changed legislation or procedures
- Able to work as part of a team while maintaining and prioritising your own workload.
- Able to compose replies to correspondence or customer enquiries regarding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction or free school meal matters
The London Borough of Sutton offers the following:
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)
- Flexi-time
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Local and national discounts for shopping, eating out and leisure activities
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Car parking scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Zip car scheme
- Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
- Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
- Subsidised gym membership
Please read the job description and person specification – it will help you understand whether your knowledge, skills and experience match the job requirements. In your supporting statement please tell us how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification.
Officer Grade: 6
Anticipated Interview Date(s) : 19/10/2023 and 20/10/2023
