Welfare Assessments Advisor

We have an excellent opportunity available for a Welfare Assessments Advisor to join our proactive Welfare Assessments team at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, 2 year fixed term contract.

As Welfare Assessments Advisor you will work effectively and collaboratively with teams within Income & Assessments to ensure the service is responsive and meets the appropriate needs of its residents, customers, and other users of the Council’s services.

This role will support individuals with queries in relation to Benefits & Council Tax and responding to the needs of vulnerable residents, additionally where necessary make appropriate connections and referrals for additional services and support

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 days after 5 years continued local government service) (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more! 

Key responsibilities:

• Dealing with resident and customer enquiries in relation to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Council Tax via phone, email and face to face contact
• Support the operation of the service and take ownership for processes and procedures using best practice from others where appropriate.
• To provide support for the escalation of service issues including more complex customer issues.
• Assisting with the effective monitoring and review mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement in delivery of services.
• Support the administration of Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction claims and re-assessments.
• Processing of Concessionary Fares applications

Candidate requirements:

• Verbal, written communication skills
• Proficient ICT skills and use of Microsoft packages
• Customer Service experience
• Basic knowledge of Welfare Benefits (desirable)
• Ability to listen, extract and assess important information

Our area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today.

Alternatively, for more information or to arrange an information discussion, please contact Andrea Throne, Welfare Assessments Manager - andrea.thorne@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing: Sunday 12^th January 2025, 11pm

Interviews: w/c Monday 20^th January 2025

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful.  Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.     

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.