Location
London Borough of Waltham Forest

Hours
Full Time - 36 hours per week

Salary
Scale 6 to SO2 £35,520 - £42,000 (dependent on experience)

About the Role
We are recruiting two Benefits Officers on a 12-month fixed-term contract to support the Council's Corporate Debt Recovery Service. The successful candidates will primarily undertake debt recovery activities, managing a caseload of outstanding debts, contacting residents and businesses, negotiating repayment arrangements, and progressing recovery action in line with Council policies and legislation. Officers will work closely with internal services and external partners to maximise income collection whilst ensuring vulnerable residents are identified and supported appropriately.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with experience in benefits, revenues, debt recovery, income collection, customer service, or financial administration. Strong communication, organisation, and case management skills are essential.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is a highly ambitious borough driven by culture and the creativity of its residents. The Council is resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven, and commercially minded, committed to meeting the needs of existing and future residents. It is also accredited as a Good Work Standard employer, demonstrating commitment to fair pay, workplace well-being, skills progression, and diversity.

Key responsibilities include processing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Free School Meals and discretionary support schemes accurately and within service timescales; completing financial assessments and reassessments; recovering Housing Benefit overpayments and corporate debts; providing high-quality customer service; contributing to service improvement initiatives; supporting fraud prevention; and assisting with training and mentoring colleagues and apprentices.

Please note this role does not provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship.

Experience
Experience in benefits, revenues, debt recovery, income collection, customer service, or financial administration is desirable.

About you
Strong communication, organisation, and case management skills are essential. You should be committed to providing excellent customer service and able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners. A proactive approach to service improvement and fraud prevention is important.

Qualifications
GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 (or equivalent) are required. Relevant NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications are desirable.

Additional requirements include satisfactory employment references, CIFAS identity checks, declaration of interest, DBS check, and compliance with safer recruitment practices due to work involving children and/or vulnerable adults. Fluency in spoken English sufficient for effective role performance is required.