Benefits Officer

We are looking for organised and motivated individuals to administer Housing Benefit/Council Tax Support and Council Tax in relation to the successful resolution of formal complaints, Ombudsman investigations and other enquiries designated by Senior Management. The successful candidate should possess extensive Housing Benefits, Council Tax/Business Rates and Enforcement Agents knowledge in terms of both the regulations and application. The post holder needs to have an in-depth working knowledge and experience of the multiple IT systems and processes linked to Complaints, Housing Benefit and Council Tax/Business Rates, Enforcement Agents, iCase, DM360 (Revenues and benefits) CISCO Telephony.

Good communications skills are essential in addition to build on established working relationships with counterparts in Council Tax, Rents and Contact Centre, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for example. The candidate needs the ability to manage their own work in line with current Service Level Agreements within a very busy team in terms of daily Elected Members and Public contact.

The candidate needs to be able to fulfil the requirements of the role with no/minimal training requirements to both maximize and deal with all aspects of complaints for all Housing Benefit, including Local Welfare Provision and any other initiatives, Council Tax including administration of Business Grants/Exemptions, and investigation reports for the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most multi-cultural cities in Europe:

The ambition for Birmingham City Council is to be an organisation that reflects the diversity of its citizens from the frontline to senior leadership. To always lead with an accessible and inclusive mindset in any strategic planning and operational decision making. And to be a place where employees can bring their whole authentic selves to work and be celebrated for it.

The Benefits Service is situated within the Finance Division. Our purpose is to maximise income to citizens by awarding benefit promptly and accurately and promote the take up of relevant welfare benefits. To efficiently administer the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support schemes thus enabling maximisation of Government subsidy whilst achieving service excellence, supporting our mission to reduce the % of households in fuel poverty and supporting citizens to maintain their tenancy and reduce potential homelessness.

Birmingham City Council offers a range of E learning development opportunities and professional development may be considered through membership of the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation (IRRV). The Council offers employees a range of rewards and benefits including, My Birmingham Rewards: including discounts and savings at high street stores, supermarkets, utility providers, insurance premiums and great days out. Join great salary sacrifice schemes such as the Cycle to Work and make the most of Tax & NI savings. Access Health & Wellbeing offerings such as the Employee Assistance Programme (information & counselling), occupational health provision, voluntary health schemes such a gym memberships & the Health Cash Plan.

You must upload a Supporting Statement via the attachments part of your application. This is required for shortlisting; you need to describe how your experience and skills fit the essential criteria for the role as specified in the Person Specification. If you do not attach your Supporting Statement, your application will not be considered.

We welcome applications from people with caring responsibilities and flexible working options will be considered.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.

Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Working for Birmingham City Council is more than just a job; it's about making life better for the 1 million plus people who live and work in the city., The Council is a fantastic place to work. You will find an organisation that is both challenging and supportive; with a leadership impatiently adventurous in its pursuit of excellence.

There is a clear vision which is ensuring that the Council is working for communities today and building for tomorrow, we focus our resources on five key priorities:

• A Prosperous Birmingham: through a focus on inclusive economic growth, tackling unemployment, attracting inward investment, and maximising the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.


• An Inclusive Birmingham: through a focus on tackling poverty and inequality, empowering citizens, promoting diversity and civic pride, and supporting and enabling all children and young people to thrive.


• A Safe Birmingham: through a focus on making the city safer, safeguarding vulnerable citizens, increasing affordable housing, and tackling homelessness.


• A Healthy Birmingham: through a focus on tackling health inequalities, encouraging physical activity and healthy living, supporting mental health, and improving outcomes for adults with disabilities and older people.


• A Green Birmingham: through a focus on street cleanliness, improving air quality, continuing the route to net zero, and becoming a city of nature.


We see the Council's role as providing strategic leadership - that's being able to visualise a new future for the city and equipping others to share our vision. We want to ensure the provision of services for all, so we can support those least able to support themselves by working with partners and putting citizens and neighbourhoods at the heart of our decision-making.

We are always looking for people who put the customer at the centre of their approach, with a commitment to excellence to help us achieve our vision. We will support you to develop and thrive in your role, building a pathway for long-term success, with lots of development opportunities, such as apprenticeships.

In return, we offer you excellent terms and conditions, generous annual leave, a great pension scheme, well-being support, annual travel passes and discounts at a number of city centre establishments.