The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for an experienced Principal Benefits Officer to join our Benefits Service.
The role is to provide support and guidance to one of the benefit assessment or benefit overpayment team and assist the Benefits Team Manager with the day-to-day organisation and operational efficiency of the team.
The primary focus of the Benefits Service is the administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The service also deals with discretionary housing and Council Tax payments, Local Welfare Assistance, the recovery of overpayments, free school meals and many of the discretionary schemes introduced by central government as a response to the Cost of Living Crisis.
The role is also an opportunity to develop your own leadership skills.
The successful candidate will have proven skills and experience in a housing benefit environment, detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance together with the ability to drive improvements across the team whilst meeting performance targets
Key Responsibilities
Assisting a team manager with the day-to-day supervision of one of the teams within the Benefits Service. Dealing with complex casework, training and assisting other team members and contributing to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures in the Benefits Service.
We are looking for a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to assist in providing a professional, efficient, and high-quality service.
About us
- Waltham Forest is a vibrant and culturally diverse borough
- Based at Fellowship Square-the heart of the Forest community
- We were the first ever London Borough of Culture
- Home to The William Morris Museum
- Home to Walthamstow Wetlands
- We offer flexible working/Hybrid working to support work-life balance (typically 3 days home working)
- Up to 31 days annual leave plus public holidays (depending on length of service)
- Training and Development support
- Employee Assistance Programme, providing advice and counselling programmes
- Health and Leisure Discounts/Staff Benefits scheme
About you
- Experience working in a benefits environment
- Conscientious attitude and attention to detail
- Have expert knowledge of HB, CTR and DHP legislation, policy, and practice.
- Have a working knowledge of local policies regarding CTR, DHP and LWA
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven experience of thriving under pressure
- A drive to learn and continually improve
- Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
- Passionate about doing a good job and delivering results
- Flexible approach to work to accommodate changing priorities.
If you want a challenging yet rewarding role delivering the highest levels of customer service, then we want to hear from you.
The post is open to all candidates with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to fulfil the role profile attached.
If you want to learn more about the post or the team and have further questions, please contact Team Manager Faye.McCarthy01@walthamforest.gov.uk
https://www.jobsgopublic.com/vacancies/354842?ga_client_id=3bfedbc5-b588-415f-83e1-226af1eed708&search=f99ad87d65b64d4fba72111e9d4f86bb8dd651bd3a718165113e67065c997c6b
