Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£38,256 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services while successfully addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and high street changes.

Sutton is continuously investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, which will become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision will create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy, fostering a vibrant community of scientists, doctors, and innovative companies to benefit cancer patients and drive economic growth. Alongside regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to support independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a driving force within the South London Partnership, a collaboration of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the borough’s future and adapt to residents’ needs to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
The Benefits team is responsible for assessing all claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and free school meals. We are a small, friendly team with a strong customer focus and a ‘can-do’ approach to serving our residents.

About the Role
The Benefit Officer is responsible for the efficient and accurate processing of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims.

Key Responsibilities
- Check, verify, and process all types of claims for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and free school meals, ensuring correct calculation and payment.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation to ensure accurate and efficient processing and payment of claims, minimizing overpayments.
- Verify documentation provided by claimants for validity and identify fraudulent or altered documents.
- Clearly explain Council and Government schemes to customers in person, by telephone, or in writing.
- Deal efficiently and sympathetically with sometimes difficult, elderly, or distressed customers.

Experience
- Minimum of 18 months Housing Benefit experience within the last 3 years.
- Experience working in a frontline customer service role.

About You
- Able to understand Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction regulations to ensure prompt and accurate assessments and payments.
- Able to follow set procedures and adapt quickly to new or changed legislation or procedures.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team while managing and prioritizing your own workload.
- Able to compose clear replies to correspondence or customer enquiries regarding Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

Qualifications
Not explicitly stated; relevant experience and skills as outlined above are essential.