Benefits Officer Apprentice

Summary

This a Level 4 Apprenticeship provided through the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation that will give you an in depth understanding of this area of the Public Sector, giving you a great kickstart to your career if this is an area of interest for you.

Annual wage: £12,313.60 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Revenues and welfare benefits practitioner (level 4)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours a week. Shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
Possible start date: Saturday 1 February
Duration: 1 year
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

To undertake and complete the IRRV apprenticeship program.
To interview, learn the financial needs and provide high quality, tailored advice to all people that approach the Council for guidance on their benefits entitlement (administered by both national and local government).
To assess claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction in accordance with national legislation, Council policies and procedures.
To work with clients to resolve queries relating to their claim for Housing Benefit and or Council Tax Reduction.
To undertake in-claim / accuracy reviews to ensure that the right award is made to the right person at the right time.
To review or supersede decisions where new information has been provided by the client.
Referring claims of suspected irregularity to the Single Fraud Investigation Service and responding to requests for information / evidence and queries from the SFIS and implementing investigation outcome decisions.

Where you’ll work

Town Hall

Evreux Way

Rugby

Warwickshire

CV21 2RR

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE INSTITUTE OF REVENUES, RATING AND VALUATION

Your training course

Revenues and welfare benefits practitioner (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Consistently deal with customers politely and considerately, adapting your approach to meet customer and employer needs
Achieve outcomes that the customer wants where possible. Where this is not possible, explain the reasons why. Evaluate and recommend alternative options
Obtain all required information in the most effective way to allow tasks to be completed, considering each customers individual circumstances
Interpret and evaluate all information to determine the relevant details for the required task
Interpret and evaluate information to judge whether there is potential fraud indicated. Refer to the appropriate department where required
Determine whether a dispute should lead to a change of decision and explain the reasons, using appropriate legislation
Handle sensitive information securely and in line with current legislative requirements
Analyse and use information and legislation to calculate amounts due when a customer first contacts your department (e.g. new claims or new accounts)
Analyse and use information and legislation to correctly deal with changes in customers circumstances, recalculating amounts due where required
Provide justification for any inferences drawn from available information
Decide on the best method of recovery by evaluating the customers circumstances. Act on this judgment to start recovery of amounts due
Use judgement to deal correctly with non-routine situations that arise
Adapt your communication style and method to meet the individuals needs
Communicate confidently by being personable, asking insightful questions and being able to negotiate effectively and respectfully
Undertake activities to ensure knowledge stays current
Take appropriate action within the limits of your authority to solve problems or make relevant colleagues aware of them
Make accurate decisions based on the information available
Support team members to achieve the best outcome for the team
Request assistance or authorisation when required
Communicate with other departments to achieve required outcomes
Proficiently use the systems available to achieve tasks
Refer to processes to determine the action to be taken
Evaluate the customers financial position, assisting with personal budgeting where appropriate, or directing the customer to appropriate support

Your training plan

1 day a week of online / team based training

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

About this company

Rugby Borough Council is dedicated to both Community and Colleague growth. With a focus on wellbeing and personal development, we offer a range of career opportunities where you can take pride in the positive changes you help create. Join an organisation committed to the success of one of the Country’s fastest-growing boroughs and the people who make it thrive.

Company benefits

See our RBC website advert for full list of benefits.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Benefits Officer

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Rugby Borough Council

Michael Hoppitt

recruitment@rugby.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000292349.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Sunday 5 January)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please see the full advert on our website, including the role profile. Please read the Important Note on the advert on our website to assist with your application.

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