Benefits Officer

Job Description

About the Role5 x Benefits Officers, London Borough of HaveringRomford | Contract: Permanent | Grade 4 | Salary £32655-35109paAs a Benefits Officer, you will assess and review claims, changes in circumstances and entitlement in line with legislation, Council policy and procedures. You will manage your own caseload, make sound evidence-based decisions, explain outcomes clearly and identify issues that could affect entitlement, overpayments or subsidy. You will also contribute to service improvement by sharing learning, supporting consistent practice and suggesting better ways of working.You will:

• Assess new claims, changes in circumstances and reviews for Housing Benefit and Council Tax.
• Calculate entitlement accurately using relevant systems and, where required, manual calculations.
• Consider complex cases, including self-employed claimants, students, people from abroad and eligible housing costs.
• Identify overpayments, recommend appropriate recovery action and refer suspected fraud in accordance with procedures.
• Communicate decisions clearly and courteously to residents, landlords, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Manage and prioritise your workload to meet service standards, targets and performance indicators.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy and procedures and apply learning consistently.
• Support quality assurance, peer learning and practical improvements that help the service get decisions right first time.

Why join us at Havering?

• To make a meaningful contribution to the financial wellbeing of Havering residents.
• Join a knowledgeable, collaborative team that values accuracy, fairness and excellent customer service.
• Develop your expertise through varied casework, shared learning and changes across the benefits service.
• Help influence quality standards and improve the way we work.
• Work in a role where sound judgement, initiative and ideas for improvement are valued.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has good experience of assessing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or comparable means-tested benefits.
• Can interpret legislation, guidance and evidence and translate them into accurate decisions.
• Has strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully, including when explaining complex or sensitive decisions.
• Plans and prioritises effectively, takes ownership and works confidently with appropriate guidance.
• Is committed to excellent customer service, equality, confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Works positively with colleagues and partners and is willing to share knowledge and support others.
• Is adaptable, keen to learn and motivated to improve both personal practice and wider service delivery.

How to ApplyFor more information about the position, please click Job ProfilePlease attach your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) explaining how your experience, knowledge and leadership qualities meet the requirements of the role.Closing Date: 1 November 2026For recruitment enquiries regarding the role, please email Talent@havering.gov.uk, quoting REF 4271 Benefits Officer in the subject line.The hiring manager will be available for informal discussions about the role. Please contact Tracy Hooker, Benefits Team Leader at Tracy.Hooker@havering.gov.ukWe practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents you upload.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Havering is a Disability Confident employer – candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration.

About us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.
Find out why you should work for Havering Council.