Benefits Officer

Benefits Officer page is loaded Benefits Officerlocations: HU1time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: 6 June 2026 (28 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR Number of Vacancies: 1 Time Type: Full time Worker Type: Regular Proposed Interview Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 Hours of Work: 37 Hiring Manager: Joanne Ling Contact Number: x3473 Job Description Summary: This a full time permanent position An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Housing Benefit Team. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, hardworking individual who is willing to take on a challenge and committed to developing their skills and knowledge. This post is permanent for 37 hours per week Monday to Friday. As a Housing Benefit Officer, you will be responsible for gathering evidence and calculating a customer's entitlement to receive financial assistance towards their rental costs as well as determining entitlement to a reduction in Council Tax liability under Hull City Council's Council Tax Reduction scheme. You will be calculating new claims and changes in circumstances in line with Housing Benefit regulations for which you will receive training. Main responsibilities include: • Processing and determining claims accurately and in accordance with the relevant legislation and guidance • To access the DWP CIS system to obtain information relating to customers benefits • To ensure that all appropriate decision letters are issued in a timely manner • To communicate effectively with customers both over the telephone, email and letter. • Ideally you will have some knowledge or understanding of welfare benefits, excellent ICT skills and the ability to work under pressure. You should be able to work to individual targets and as part of a team to ensure the team meets their service standards. Within this role you will be working with vulnerable service users and their families. If you would like an informal discussion regarding this opportunity or if you have any questions about this role please contact Joanne Ling on or e-mail ROLE AND PURPOSE Grade 4: To undertake training enabling development of the skills of a Benefit Assessment Officer. To administer claims for Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support via the Benefits database accurately and within performance targets set. To provide advice and assistance with general Benefit assessment duties and to provide a responsive service to internal and external customers through a variety of access channels including: telephone, face to face, written and electronic mail. Grade 5, all of the above plus: As within grade 4 but dealing with more complex work to a proven level of volume, accuracy, consistency and autonomy. Mentor new trainees and provide assistance to Senior Benefit Assessment Officers as required. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Grade 4 1. Undertake a training program of both formal and on the job training in order to develop the necessary knowledge and skills in order to undertake role of a Benefit Assessment Officer.2. Statutory Obligations - Develop and maintain a good knowledge of current legislation, best practice and relevant guidance. 3. To administer routine claims via the Benefits database accurately within predetermined targets and deadlines within a performance driven culture, in order to achieve a quality based, customer focussed service delivery.4. Ensure that evidence collected to support claims meets the prescribed criteria's and is sufficient to support the claim being assessed.5. Check current information held on the Benefits database in relation to information received from customers, Government departments and third parties and action changes as appropriate ensuring accurate letters and summaries of benefit awards are sent to the customer.6. Work holistically with officers within the Revenues and Benefits service sharing expertise that embeds new working practices.7. Demonstrates effective behaviours in line with the council's competency framework.8. Provide assistance and support to colleagues at equivalent grade or below giving guidance, direction and training on operational matters, in line with guidance, office practice and procedure.9. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation places responsibilities for health and safety on Hull City Council, as your employer and you as an employee of the council. In addition to the Councils overall duties, the post holder has personal responsibility for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of other employees; additional and more specific responsibilities are identified in the Council's Corporate H&S policy. Grade 5. All of the above plus 10. Develop and maintain an advanced knowledge of current legislation, guidance and best practice. Within an ever changing environment, support colleagues to encourage innovation, motivation, understanding and vision. You will be able to work under minimal supervision. 11. To administer more complex claims across all tenure types to the Benefits database accurately to predetermined targets within a performance driven culture, in order to achieve a quality based, customer focussed service delivery. This will include theadministration of Discretionary Housing Payment claims to assess entitlement making discretionary awards following direction determined by Senior Officers12. Assist with the induction, training and mentoring of staff and provide assistance and support to other staff giving guidance, direction and training on operational matters, in line with legislation, guidance, office practice and procedure. Compensation Grades: GRADES 4 TO 5 Pay Ranges: £25,583.00 - £29,064.00 Job Classifications: 2- Basic with BPSS - (Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS , 3- Not Politically Restricted - Designated As Not Politically Sensitive (Politically Restricted Posts), Casual - (Travel Allowance Policy), No - (Childcare Disqualification Requirement), No - (Statutory Post) Benefits of Working of Hull City Council: - A competitive salary - An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - Initially 23 days annual leave depending on length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year, and three additional days off, one in May/August and one during the Christmas/New year period - Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods - Supportive and forward-thinking culture - Great career development opportunitiesPlease ensure that you complete and submit your application by midnight prior to the closing date.We are committed to increasing the diversity, equality, and inclusion within our workforce to represent the people we serve and build an environment in which everyone can feel like they belong. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.We adopt a 'name blind' approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.We reserve the right to amend the dates associated with this advert, which may include closing the advert early where required.The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.