Welfare Officer (Revenues & Benefits)

Are you passionate about helping people in need and making a difference in your community?

 

Who?

We are looking for a Welfare Officer to join our team.

 

What will you be doing?

• Identifying and engaging with residents via multiple methods including face to face visits on a daily basis to assist them with applying for any discounts, or other available benefits they may be entitled to but have not yet applied for, as well as signposting them to assistance, and negotiating payment arrangements.
• Facilitate customers to claim entitlement to account reductions such as benefits or discounts through via letter, email and telephone.
• Assess customers’ needs to address their debts, and to provide guidance on any potential enforcement action.
• Assess reasons for non-payment, ability to pay, and negotiate the most appropriate terms for settlement of debts.
• Assist customers to engage with multiple agencies and attend multi agency meetings where necessary.
• Refer customers to appropriate support agencies/services to help tackle their financial concerns and to claim any benefits or discounts they may be entitled to.
• Manage your own caseload and carry out work to support visits by communicating with customers using multiple methods.

 

What do you need?

• A thorough knowledge and understanding of benefits legislation and guidance, as well as strong communication and problem-solving skills
• A positive and proactive attitude, and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service and continuous improvement
• Experience of dealing with customers and/or members of the public and handling personal or sensitive information

 

What do we offer?  

• Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
• Free parking. 

  

Post Number: N6064  

Closing Date: 13^th January 2024

Interview Date: 28^th January 2025

 

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. 

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit. 

  

To Apply

Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application.   

Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying. 

Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.  

If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.