Benefits Assessor (Academy)

We are currently seeking a skilled Benefits Officer for a part-time contract role. The applicant will need to have at least 5 years recent experience in Benefit Assessment and of using Capita One(Academy).

Term: 3 months

Umbrella Rate: £25.00 per hour

Hours: 20-30 per week

Location: Home Based

The Role

• Maintain a working knowledge of the Housing Benefit Regulations, the Council Tax Support Scheme, Taxation Regulations and associated policies and procedures. The post holder must have/ or work towards having a skilled experience and knowledge of the advanced elements of one of the disciplines and knowledge in the other discipline.
• Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to new and review claims for benefit/support.
• Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to all changes affecting entitlement to, and payment of benefit/support.
• Maintain timely and accurate council tax records in relation to all chargeable and exempt dwellings in the District, together with the liable person(s) and their indebtedness.
• Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to information supplied from whatever source connected with ensuring the correct entitlement to benefit/support, and the accurate charging, collection and recovery of tax.
• Have a skilled application of knowledge of the operation of computer systems for both disciplines.
• Ensure correct notifications, billing and recovery documents are forwarded to the customer in accordance with the regulations and the Council’s policies.
• Obtain, correctly interpret and record accurate information, which other officers rely on.
• Establish and process all methods of recovery of Housing Benefit and Council Tax overpayments and make arrangements to repay debts where appropriate.
• Undertake all benefit/support administration in accordance with the Regulations, Schemes and Council’s policies and procedures.
• Apply skill and judgement when decisions require a level of interpretation of the Regulations/Scheme and/or the customer’s circumstances are not obvious.
• Demonstrate a proven capacity to work within the timescales set out in the law, government targets, and internal targets meeting the high accuracy standards required.
• Represent the Council at a Tribunal Hearing, or the Magistrate Court as a witness, or to provide advice where appropriate.
• Have a proven ability to work under pressure.

Dealing with customers’ enquiries and information

• Respond to enquiries from customers, whether by telephone, face-to-face, electronically or in writing, in accordance with Government regulations, guidance and the Council’s Schemes on matters relating to new claims, review claims and any change of circumstances, for housing benefit, council tax support and the charging, payments and non-payment of tax.
• Respond appropriately and proficiently to customers’ enquiries by the skilful application of knowledge and experience of the tax and benefits/support systems, and in respect of all types of customer enquiry.
• Explain complex matters in terms the recipient will be able to understand and to employ tact, diplomacy or a persuasive approach, as necessary. This applies to all types of communication.

Liaising with others

• Work closely with external agencies (predominantly the Job Centre Plus, The Pension Service, HM Revenue & Customs, Citizens Advice and the Valuation Office Agency) in the exchange of information vital to the correct assessment of benefits, support and the local taxes.
• Liaise effectively with colleagues in the office and elsewhere in the Council to exchange information on matters associated with timely and accurate tax and benefit/support administration and also other council business provided that it falls within the constraints of Data Protection.

Supporting tasks and other duties

• Check all claims for anti-fraud procedures and refer to the relevant fraud section where appropriate.
• Ensure reconsiderations, appeals and complaints are passed to the relevant officers for appropriate action, within appropriate time scales.

Education, Qualification and Training

Essential

• GCSE’s including Maths and English Grade C or above, or equivalent and have relevant experience

Knowledge

Essential

• Up-to-date working knowledge of Benefits Legislation, Council Tax Support scheme and best practice
• Experience of the Capita One (Academy) system

Experience

Essential

• Current experience of working in an office environment or similar background
• Current experience of working with the general public; face-to-face, via the telephone and written communication
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel & Outlook
• Current experience of working in Housing Benefit/Council Tax support and/or Council Tax administration.
• Current experience of using the Academy package

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: £25.00 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you have GCSE’s including Maths and English Grade C or above, or equivalent and have relevant experience?
• Do you have up-to-date working knowledge of Benefits Legislation, Council Tax Support scheme and best practice?
• Do you have experience of the Capita One (Academy) system?
• Do you have current experience of working with the general public; face-to-face, via the telephone and written communication?

Experience:

• Local Government: 1 year (required)

Work Location: Remote