Benefits Assessor

**About us**

**About the role**
Pay Details: Grade 5, SCP 8-12, £20,852 - £22,571 p.a.

Hours of Work / Working Pattern: 37 hours per week Monday -Friday

Main Place of Work: Civic Offices

**Description**:
1. Process all types of claims for Housing and Council Tax Benefit/Support including self employed earners, persons from abroad and students for rent allowances, rent rebate and council tax reduction claims.

2. Deal with changes in circumstances for all types of claims and other items which require action in relation to benefit claims;
3. Ensure overpayments are correctly classified for recovery purposes and that action is taken to recover from ongoing benefit where appropriate;
4. Make decisions on requests for backdating benefit;
5. Keep up to date with current Housing and Council Tax Reduction Regulations and best practice;
6. Deal with customers enquiries by telephone, correspondence, or in person and conducting interviews;
7. Identify and report possible fraudulent claims to the Single Fraud Investigation Team;

**About you**
- Experience in Benefits, Council Tax or a claimant/customer service environment.
- Use of IT systems.
- Knowledge of means tested benefits or customer service
- Good interpersonal skills,
- Numerate Analytical and Inquisitive,
- Able to be discreet and maintain confidences.
- Able to deal with customers in difficult situations.
- Good IT Skills
- 5 GCSEs (Grade A-C) or equivalent including English and Maths
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Able to work on own initiative
- Able to deal confidently and effectively with customers

**Additional information**
DBS Check Required: Basic

For Further Information, contact: Christina Delaney Benefits and Payments Manager
01446 709225
/Sean James Senior Benefits Officer 01446 709897

Please see attached job description / person specification for further information.

Job Reference: RES00271