Benefits Assessment Officer - grade 3 (10925)

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Benefits Assessment Officer - Grade 3

Job Profile

We are looking for an experienced Benefits and Local Council Tax Support assessment officer to join our team.

We are transitioning from a Case/Specialist operating model to a more conventional structure. The successful candidate will be a valued member of our new team.

You will help financially vulnerable residents, whilst ensuring fraud and error is minimised. Maximising the money available to help those who need help from public funds.

This role could be for you if you meet the following essential requirements:

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 1 years’ experience in new claims processing and change of circumstances
• Current knowledge of benefits legislation and regulations, as a result of working in benefits within the last 24 months
• Well evidenced experience of providing good customer service
• Demonstrable knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Proven experience of working under pressure, whilst staying calm and keeping accuracy

Skills

• Able to communicate complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to analyse information and establish next steps. Including when to escalate a case.
• Able to be accurate, detailed and professional in approach to work
• Able to provide a full response that pre-empts the next question
• Able to work both collaboratively and independently, checking in as necessary
• Able to manage own time effectively.

If you can also meet the following desirable criteria – that would be great:

• Experience of Civica OPENRevenues and Civica OPENWorkflow
• IRRV Technician Qualification or Higher
• Experience of training or mentoring others with less knowledge or experience.

We expect the successful candidate to:

• Follow legislation and local processes
• Analyse the situation in front of them, work out and action the next steps
• Deliver high levels of customer service alongside prompt and accurate assessment of claims.
• Be a supportive colleague.

In return we offer:

• A friendly and supportive environment
• Training as appropriate
• Annual leave entitlement of 22 days,
• Access to our flexible working scheme, pension scheme and pleasant working environment near to the town centre.

This role attracts a salary between £28,724 and £31,724. Offers are usually made at the lower end of the salary band allowing for progression. This salary excludes the 2025/26 pay award which is to be confirmed.

This role is classed as Agile. You will need to be in the office full time during any initial training period. After that the successful candidate will be able to work from home part of the working week on a rota basis with colleagues. Our usual office/home working split is 50/50.

A basic DBS check will be required upon appointment.

If you are interested in this busy and varied role, please apply online.

Closing date for applications: 01 July 2025

Interviews W/C: 07 July 2025

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Carene Alexander (Team Leader Revenues and Benefits) on 01483 444879

About Guildford

Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night time economy. The town’s geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well-served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities. All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford.

We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.