Benefit Officers
Employer:London Borough of Waltham Forest
Reference:50043003/Fin
Salary:£23,733 - £27,753
Hours:36
Working pattern:Full Time, Permanent position
Location:Various within Waltham Forest
Closing date:05/07/2009 23:30 PM
Waltham Forest is an ambitious, four-star borough in North East London. The Benefits Service has adopted a systems thinking approach to service delivery and officers assess claims in all our one stop shops in front of our customers while they wait.
We are looking for several Benefits Officers who are committed to delivering excellent services to customers, improving access and reducing social exclusion by maximising the income levels of residents in the borough.
You will have:
· Detailed working knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit legislation gained from being an experienced Housing and Council Tax Benefits Officer
· Good decision making skills and the ability to respond effectively to written correspondence and requests for revisions
· Experience of dealing with and resolving complicated benefit claims
· An understanding of the needs of customers and the commitment to deliver a service, which meets those needs
· Good analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills, plus a methodical approach to problem solving
· The ability to meet challenging deadlines and experience of using a variety of IT systems.
Preference will be given to candidates suitable for appointment at the higher end of the scale who, in addition to the above will be able to:
· Deal with the most complex of benefit claims.
· Take responsibility for mentoring, supporting and training others in benefits legislation, internal policies and procedures.
· Quality check work, give advice to colleagues and provide realistic solutions to problems.
All candidates should be self-motivated and able to work on your own initiative
The Benefits Service is a successful service, with great vision and an appetite for further improvement. We are committed to providing a high quality service that embraces change to ensure the needs of our customers are put first; your contribution is crucial in delivering that vision.
Testing will take place week commencing 20 July 2009
Interviews will be held week commencing 27 July 2009
It’s an exciting time for the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We have made rapid progress over a short period of time, we are better run and services are improving. We are an ambitious Council that knows what needs to be done to continue our journey of improvement. We want staff eager for a challenge who want to be part of a successful council. Come and work for us and contribute to developing and delivering improving services.
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.
We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace.
The Council is committed to meeting its 4 strategic outcomes contained in its Corporate Equality Plan:
• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
• Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels
• Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
For more information please visit: http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/social.htm
