Location: Basildon, Essex (hybrid role – required in the office at least one day per week)
Salary: Up to £20.00 per hour PAYE
Hours: Full time
Contract Length: Temporary 3 month contract
Job Description:
We are currently seeking an experienced Billing and Benefits Officer who is able to demonstrate experience of working in a benefits sector or a similiar environment dealing with income related assessments.
Accountabilities
- Day-to-day administration of Council Tax billing and benefits processes, whilst seeking to promote efficiency and continuous improvement.
- Interpretation of Council Tax and Benefits legislation, ensuring that processes and decisions apply in accordance with law and policy guidelines.
- Understand the impact that all assessments, accuracy and overpayments have on subsidy.
- Administer the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in accordance with local policy and guidelines.
- Make decisions in respect of Council Tax liability, exemptions, discounts, reliefs and Housing Benefit entitlement and that notices are issued in a timely manner, referring any matters of doubt to a Senior Billing and Benefits officer.
- Ensure the accuracy of the property and taxpayer database, including Housing Benefits and LCTS data, by updating the IT systems and agreeing totals to Valuation Office Agency where appropriate.
- Undertake enquiries to identify exemptions, discounts and reliefs from council tax and evaluate household details relating to Housing Benefit / Local Council Support claims, carrying out detailed assessments of income, capital and other resources relating to entitlement.
- Verify and validate information, making all necessary calculations to determine entitlement and notifying customers accordingly.
- Liaise with Visiting Officers in relation to establishment of liabilities, reliefs and other queries, including the completion of new dwellings and claims for benefit and LCTS.
Requirements:
- A good working knowledge of Council Tax and Housing Benefits law and procedures.
- Experience of customer / public contact demonstrating good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of accurately maintaining and interpreting personal and financial data.
- Experience of using office information systems.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Opportunity to work with a reputable organization.
Company Overview:
A trusted and UKAS ISO9001 accredited leader in the recruitment industry. Providing comprehensive recruitment solutions across more than 20 diverse industries. Specializing in both temporary and permanent placements, as a modern and innovative organization, we leverage our valuable experience and adhere to a strict set of core values throughout our recruitment processes. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and professionalism ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and build long-lasting relationships with both clients and all staff.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Optima Plus Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strive to eliminate barriers to employment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.