Revenues and Benefits Officer

To bill the right person at the right property at the right time.

Take correct action to maximise recovery of Council Tax

**Client**: Torridge District Council

**Term**: 6 months

**Umbrella Rate**: £25 per hour

**The Role**
- 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.
- Ensure correct notifications and 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.
- Represent the Council at the Magistrate Court or a Tribunal Hearing, or as a witness, or to provide advice where appropriate.
- Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to information supplied from whatever source connected with ensuring the correct entitlement to benefit, and the accurate charging, collection and recovery of tax.
- Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to new and existing claims for benefit.
- Maintain timely and accurate records in relation to all changes affecting entitlement to, and payment of benefit.
- Establish and process all methods of recovery of Council Tax Support Overpayments and Council Tax making arrangements to repay debts where appropriate.
- 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.
- 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 customer service policy on most matters relating to charging, payment and nonpayment of tax.
- 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
- Liaise effectively with colleagues to exchange information on matters associated with timely and accurate tax and benefit administration and also other council business provided that it falls within the constraints of Data Protection
**Supporting Tasks and Other Duties**
- Responsible for his/her own self-development on a continuous basis.
- Have the capacity to train staff on the more complex issues of at least one of the disciplines.
- At all times, carry out his/her responsibilities with regard to the council’s equal opportunities policy, and within the Health and Safety legislation and reflect the council’s core values and objectives in undertaking the duties of this post.
- The post holder must exercise proper integrity in respect of confidential matters and personal information obtained during the execution of the duties of this post.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the nature, scope and responsibility of the posts required.
**Requirements**:
**Must Haves**:

- Previous experience in Council Tax or Benefits is essential
- Previous experience using Academy and Data Image Processing system
**Education, Qualification and Training**
- Essential 4 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including Maths and English, or equivalent qualification.
**Knowledge**
- Up to date working knowledge of Benefits Legislation, Council Tax Support scheme and best practice.
- Knowledge of current issues and challenges facing Local Government
**Experience**

**Essential**
- Current experience of working in an office environment or similar background
- Current experience of working with the general public, both face-toface, via the telephone and written communication
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel & Outlook
Desirable
- Minimum of one year’s current experience in Council Tax administration and /or Housing Benefit/Council Tax support.
**Skills**
- Good organisational skills
- Flexible approach to the role
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Numerate and able to interpret statistical data
- Ability to prioritise and manage own workload
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to manage change
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
- Technical ability and understanding
- Ability to absorb and interpret complex legislation
**Other Job-Related Requirements**
- Ability to carry out the duties of the post with reasonable adjustments where necessary
- Commitment to implement anti discriminatory and equal opportunities policies
- Ability to travel according to the needs of the job with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act

**Benefits**
We believe employee benefits should go beyond just a free drink or fruit bowl. What’s more, we believe you should get to choose perks that suit your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve partnered up with the global benefits and rewards pr