Benefits Officer

5 x Benefits Officers, London Borough of Havering Romford | Contract: Permanent | Grade 4 | Salary £32655-35109pa Help shape the future of quality assurance and practice improvement in Havering We are recruiting five Benefits Officers to join Havering’s Benefits Service. This is an opportunity to make a direct difference to residents by delivering accurate, timely and fair housing benefit and council tax support decisions while helping us strengthen quality, consistency and continuous improvement across the service. You will join a supportive and experienced team responsible for administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. We work collaboratively to provide an excellent service to residents, maintain high standards of accuracy and respond positively to changes in legislation, policy and local priorities. About the Role 5 x Benefits Officers, London Borough of Havering Romford | Contract: Permanent | Grade 4 | Salary £32655-35109pa As a Benefits Officer, you will assess and review claims, changes in circumstances and entitlement in line with legislation, Council policy and procedures. You will manage your own caseload, make sound evidence-based decisions, explain outcomes clearly and identify issues that could affect entitlement, overpayments or subsidy. You will also contribute to service improvement by sharing learning, supporting consistent practice and suggesting better ways of working. You will: Assess new claims, changes in circumstances and reviews for Housing Benefit and Council Tax. Calculate entitlement accurately using relevant systems and, where required, manual calculations. Consider complex cases, including self-employed claimants, students, people from abroad and eligible housing costs. Identify overpayments, recommend appropriate recovery action and refer suspected fraud in accordance with procedures. Communicate decisions clearly and courteously to residents, landlords, colleagues and partner organisations. Manage and prioritise your workload to meet service standards, targets and performance indicators. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, policy and procedures and apply learning consistently. Support quality assurance, peer learning and practical improvements that help the service get decisions right first time. Why join us at Havering? To make a meaningful contribution to the financial wellbeing of Havering residents. Join a knowledgeable, collaborative team that values accuracy, fairness and excellent customer service. Develop your expertise through varied casework, shared learning and changes across the benefits service. Help influence quality standards and improve the way we work. Work in a role where sound judgement, initiative and ideas for improvement are valued. We are looking for someone who: Has good experience of assessing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support or comparable means-tested benefits. Can interpret legislation, guidance and evidence and translate them into accurate decisions. Has strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail. Communicates clearly and respectfully, including when explaining complex or sensitive decisions. Plans and prioritises effectively, takes ownership and works confidently with appropriate guidance. Is committed to excellent customer service, equality, confidentiality and safeguarding. Works positively with colleagues and partners and is willing to share knowledge and support others. Is adaptable, keen to learn and motivated to improve both personal practice and wider service delivery. How to Apply For more information about the position, please click Job Profile Please attach your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) explaining how your experience, knowledge and leadership qualities meet the requirements of the role. Closing Date: 1 November 2026 For recruitment enquiries regarding the role, please email Talent@havering.gov.uk , quoting REF 4271 Benefits Officer in the subject line. The