Senior Benefit Officer

Do you enjoy a performance based environment with familiarity with the Housing benefit service? If you feel that you would fir the requirements for this role you would have the opportunity to work in the Management team within the Benefits service working on a wide range of projects that contribute to the effective operation of the service.

We are looking for an officer with experience in Housing Benefit to join our team for a one year assignment to cover Maternity Leave. The officer in question works in a Senior role within the section and has detailed understanding of legislation relating to Housing benefit and how information is managed on the specialist application system. You would be required to demonstrate experience working in a role in the benefits section and a full understanding of the prevailing legislation.

If you feel that you would be suitable for this role, you would join our senior officer team who work on projects such as work planning, Housing payment adjudications and preparation of training guidance for the processing team. The team delivers the benefit service for East Herts and Stevenage Council. This includes the administration of Council Tax Support for both Authorities.

The role would also involve working on projects such as the use of automation in the benefits service to ensure that the Council is deploying all available efficiencies.

What will you be doing

• Supporting the Benefits Manager and working within the Management team delivering an effective benefits operation for the East Herts and Stevenage shared service.
• working in an agile way that allows continuous improvement on EHC’s Service Level Agreements and key performance indicators

About you

As an ideal candidate, you will have:

• experience in Housing benefit delivery preferably at senior level
• providing leadership and guidance to colleagues across the organisation
• the ability to work well under pressure and organise your time efficiently
• excellent communication skills
• Experience in the use of the MRI (Academy) application system

What can we offer you

• The opportunity to work to the Council's blended working policy which allows you to work from home for most of the working week. The requirement for office attendance is normally 1 day per week.
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
• Free parking in our offices and select council owned car parks during business hours

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the please contact Neil Wright , Benefits Manager on 01279502060.

Closing date: 3.7.26

Interviews will be held on: to be arranged

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In accordance with council policy, new appointments will normally be made at the first SCP point of the relevant grade. If, at the offer stage, a candidate can provide clear evidence that their skills and/or experience align with a higher point within the grade, appointment at the next SCP point may be considered. Any such decision must be reviewed and approved by the Director

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