Revenues and Benefits Assistant / Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues & Benefits Assistant or Officer to join our expanding Welfare Support team within the Resident and Business Support service.

These roles will be primarily to administer the Crisis and Resilience Fund scheme which will include processing crisis applications, providing advice and guidance to vulnerable residents and signposting where necessary to partner organisations.

Part of the role will also see the successful candidate processing Housing Benefit claims and Council Tax Reduction Claims working closely with the Benefits Service. These are varied and interesting roles and will suit someone who is dynamic, detail orientated and who can communicate well with residents, making a real difference to people’s lives.

This is a career graded role, offering an excellent opportunity for either:

• someone looking to start a career in Revenues and Benefits, or
• an experienced Officer seeking a new challenge.

Revenues and Benefits Assistant:

If you meet the criteria in the person specification but do not yet have experience in a Revenues and Benefits service, you are encouraged to apply at Assistant level. Full training will be provided, with clear opportunities to progress to Officer level.

We are looking for individuals who have:

• a strong background in customer service;
• good negotiation skills, particularly in maximising cash collection in a challenging economic environment;
• excellent attention to detail;
• self motivation, the ability to work under pressure and a strong team focus;
• confidence communicating with customers and a desire to make a positive difference for residents.

Revenues and Benefits Officer:

Applicants with existing experience in a Revenues and Benefits service will be considered for appointment at Officer level. In addition to the skills listed above, you should be able to demonstrate:

• experience processing Council Tax bills, Housing Benefit claims or Council Tax Reduction claims;
• knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support regulations;
• the ability to prioritise workloads and perform effectively under pressure.

About the Service:

You will manage a caseload that involves regular customer contact through multiple channels, including inbound and outbound telephone calls and face to face contact within our Contact Centre.

You will be personally responsible for ensuring cases are concluded accurately and efficiently, in line with statutory regulations, policies and procedures.

The role sits within Resident and Business Support, which also encompasses:

• Council Tax billing and Recovery
• Business Rates
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Adult Social Care Finance

This provides excellent opportunities for development and progression across the service for the right candidate.

If you enjoy working in a fast paced environment, where there are always new challenges and projects to get involved in, this could be the role for you.

We can offer:

• The opportunity for blended working between home and our fantastic new flagship council offices.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Hugely varied, interesting and rewarding work.
• Fantastic career progression opportunities.

A real team spirit in an innovative, responsive, and growing service area.

If you would like to talk through this opportunity further, please call Rachael Burton on View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk or Kellie Appleyard on View phone number on northeastjobs.org.uk.

If you are viewing this advert on the North East Jobs website, please go to Vacancies ¦ Middlesbrough Council to view the Job Description & Person Specification and apply for the role.

Please note Middlesbrough Council do not currently offer sponsorships.

Please note this post is subject to a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Check, which includes a Verification of Criminal Record check (unspent convictions only).

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.