Benefits Assessment Officer

From the start you will receive a warm welcome through an induction which will give you the opportunity to go through your role and responsibilities, terms of employment, learn about some of our key policies and procedures as well as provide you with some practical information to make the transition into your new role as smooth and effective as possible. We recognise that one approach does not fit all so we use a range of operational, developmental and statutory opportunities together with a combination of approaches and techniques to encourage and develop individual learning and growth. Employee Reviews are completed on a regular basis and coaching and mentoring is available to develop individual skills, knowledge and confidence. E-learning and 'on the job' training are used to support personal responsibility and a blended approach to learning., When recruiting we shortlist using the information supplied on the application form only; personal information forms no part of the shortlisting process ensuring that decisions relating to recruitment are made on a purely objective basis relating to skills, ability and experience. Any tests conducted as part of the interview process are designed to be non-discriminatory and relate purely to the demands of the role. We are a Disability Confident Employer; we ensure that any disabled candidate meeting the essential criteria is guaranteed an interview. A local veteran making the first transition from military to civilian employment is also guaranteed an interview where the essential criteria are met. We are committed to supporting our employees in maintaining the health and wellbeing and have developed a range of resources and benefits to help us do so. Our support for employees is accredited by national initiatives such as Mindful Employer (Stafford Borough Council) and Time to Change (Cannock Chase District Council). Company info

The following opportunity has arisen for a candidate with the appropriate skills, experience and commitment to work in the shared Benefits Service. Whilst the successful candidate will be based primarily in Cannock, you may be required on occasion to work at sites across the Cannock Chase and Stafford Borough areas. As part of a busy team you will be required to undertake the re-assessment of housing benefit and / or local council tax support claims, as well as carry out subsidy claim management checks to ensure that subsidy is maximised. The successful applicant will need to have good communication skills in both written and verbal form as well as being able to work accurately and prioritise workloads to enable deadlines to be met. You should hold GCSE's at Grade C or above (including Mathematics and English) or equivalent academic or vocational experience. You must also be able to work in a team and on your own initiative as well as being willing to undertake training development to gain detailed knowledge of Council Tax and Housing Benefits. Any previous experience of working with Civica Housing Benefits and Council Tax Benefits Software will be seen as advantageous to the role. The postholder will be required to undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check once in post which includes a Basic DBS Disclosure and enhanced identity checks.

Cannock Chase Council and Stafford Borough Council are committed to achieving excellence in the processing of Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support claims together with the recovery of overpaid benefit, from their shared Benefits Service., Stafford Borough and Cannock Chase District Council are neighbouring authorities; working closely together and sharing a number of services to provide high quality, cost effective services for their residents, while retaining their own distinct priorities and identity. Stafford Borough Council Riverside, Civic Centre, Stafford, ST16 3AQ Stafford Borough Council is a proactive and forward-thinking authority with big ambitions. A Council that is financially resilient, sustainable and delivering good value for money, Stafford Borough Council evolves to meet the changing needs of our community. Staffordshire's largest district, covering an area of approximately 230 square miles and with a population of 131,000, Stafford Borough continues to forge strong partnership links with private, public and voluntary sector organisations to create award winning parks and open spaces, strong transport links, protect our area's natural environment and encourage strong, cohesive communities by developing safe, clean and attractive places for local people to live, work and enjoy. Please visit www.staffordbc.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers for more information about us, the benefits rewards and learning opportunities available when working for us, and our commitment to equality and diversity. Cannock Chase District Council 28 Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1BG Cannock Chase District Council serves a population of around 100,000 residents. The District covers over 30 square-miles of southern Staffordshire, which includes 3 main town centres: Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. Cannock Chase is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is popular with local residents as well as tourists. Our ambition is to make a difference to local people's lives. In our 5 year Corporate Plan (2018-2023) we have 2 new key priorities which are: 'Promote Prosperity' and 'Community Wellbeing', which aim to improve the opportunities, wellbeing and quality of life of our communities. Cannock Chase District Council is committed to Equality & Diversity and our employees enable us to reach our goals and deliver our services to a high standard. We strive to recruit dynamic individuals who are seeking rewarding and satisfying job opportunities. Working for us is not just a job; you will be playing a part in serving our communities; we are very much one team where everyone's contribution is valued. Full or part time and with a diverse range of career options, we may well have a job that suits you.

We have a range of benefits which have been designed to make the council a positive, supportive and enjoyable place to work. These include:

• A friendly, supportive and positive working environment
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlements
• Flexible working, where applicable to the post
• Family friendly and policies
• Employee health and wellbeing schemes such as cycle to work and healthcare schemes
• Positive working relationships with trade unions
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee support services
• Occupational sick pay scheme