Benefits Officer

Benefits Officer needed in Walsall, £16.26ph PAYE - Reference: RQ1493236

To assist in the delivery of the following functions:
• Assessment, payment and recovery of housing and council tax benefit;
• Dealing with customer and other stakeholder enquiries; giving advice, information and assistance in person, by phone, letter and / or other electronic methods;
• The control and maintenance of financial and other systems;

According to legislation, government performance standards and policy, procedures and objectives

To have extensive knowledge and experience of benefit legislation and procedures, as specified.

To provide a progressive and responsive service to benefits customers.

1. To assist in the delivery of a professional, customer focussed high quality service to achieve the key targets

2. To contribute to the continuous improvement of performance in the administration of council tax reduction / housing benefit / free school meals

3. To have a detailed knowledge of entitlement conditions for benefits and best practice

4. To receive, process benefit applications and obtain information in accordance with benefit legislation and council standards. Process reported changes to entitlement and notify claimants of the results of their applications. Determine and classify benefit overpayments on these cases.

5. To identify cases where there may be potential fraud and where suspected or identified refer to the Investigation Team

6. To ensure that all relevant documentation is available to determine a claim

7. To acquire a detailed knowledge of relevant legislation and best practice and to have broader understanding of procedures and systems including the implications of actions for subsidy purposes.

This is a full time role on a temporary contract basis

If you are interested in the role please apply on our website with your CV, alternatively you can email your CV to  quoting the reference number.

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared.

Due to high volumes of CVs received we are not able to respond to all unsuccessful applications. You will always however hear from us by phone if we are able to take your CV forward to the next stage.

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