Benefits Officer

• I._Benefits_Officer

Please apply online (see below). If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by either emailing recruitment@sevenoaks.gov.uk or contacting us on 01732 227383 to discuss how we can assist you in applying.

As a Benefits Officer, you’ll be responsible for assessing new claims, changes in circumstances, and risk-based reviews. You'll give detailed advice to customers, help them access additional support, and contribute to the smooth, fair delivery of welfare benefits across both districts.

Working from our main council offices, you’ll collaborate with teams across the organisation and build strong relationships with external agencies, landlords, and government departments. Your work will directly improve household stability and financial well-being for local residents.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assessing all types of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction applications, including complex and high-value cases
• Providing high-quality advice and guidance to customers in person, by phone, and in writing
• Ensuring accuracy in every claim by staying up to date with legislation, circulars, and case law
• Identifying additional benefit entitlements and signposting customers to further support
• Handling reconsiderations, underlying entitlement reviews, cancellations, and fraud referrals
• Managing data-matching initiatives such as VEP alerts, RTI cases and anomaly reports
• Producing clear, written statements of reasons for all decisions made
• Liaising with internal and external partners including landlords, DWP, the Rent Service and others
• Supporting the wider service with ad hoc tasks and participating in ongoing training and development
• Advising on Council Tax discounts and exemptions where relevant

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Strong understanding of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction legislation
• Experience in accurately assessing benefit claims in a fast-paced environment
• Confident in handling complex enquiries and communicating clearly with residents from all backgrounds
• A proactive and flexible approach to problem-solving and workload management
• Excellent IT and numeracy skills, with accuracy in decision-making
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• A calm, empathetic, and professional approach to difficult conversations and challenging cases
• Experience with Capita, DIP, and VEP systems is desirable
• A strong sense of public service and commitment to supporting local people

What’s in It for You

This role offers the chance to make a real difference in your community. You’ll play a vital part in helping residents through some of life’s most challenging times, while developing your professional knowledge in a supportive, forward-thinking team.

Both Dartford and Sevenoaks Councils are committed to providing a positive work environment, investing in your training, and supporting your career development. We are proud holders of the Platinum Investors in People accreditation, which reflects our dedication to continuous improvement and staff wellbeing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking
• Employee benefits include discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more, the Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to the BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Do you want to know more about the role?

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Heather Gaynor, Benefits Manager, on 01732 227435 or Jeremy Carlton, Senior Benefits Team Leader, on 01732 227214.

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Closing date: 7 September 2025

Interviews: 16 September 2025