Subsidy Officer

What will you be doing?

On a day-to-day basis, you will be undertaking reviews of benefit claims processed to ensure prompt and accurate determinations of Housing and Council Tax Reduction are being made and that the Council’s subsidy position is maximised. This includes complex claims such as homeless, hostels, supported exempt and temporary accommodation, the self-employed, students and persons from abroad, in accordance with legislation and best practice.

You would need to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Council Tax and Housing Benefits legislation, case law, software enhancements and related procedures and policies.

You would also assist in the timely and accurate completion and submission of all returns relating to the annual subsidy claim. This includes working with external auditors to complete their testing regime and to detail findings in audit workbooks, which result in the verification of the final audit claim.

To provide feedback and support to the Benefits Team Leaders, Quality Assurance & Performance team and Training & Resilience team, based on the outcomes from the subsidy audit and subsidy checking completed identifying specific training needs to ensure quality and performance of the benefits team.

The role involves assisting the Training and Resilience team in the preparation and delivery of subsidy training to the wider Benefits team, as required in relation to awareness and improvement of subsidy performance.

To undertake specific targeted checking arising from high-risk subsidy areas

To identify and make recommendations to the Subsidy Team Leader and Benefits Team Leaders on assessment of claims and classification of overpayments to improve the subsidy position and maximise income to the council.

About you

You will need to have and be able to demonstrate the following abilities:

You will be educated to GCSE level including Maths and English to read, understand, and implement guidance and legislation. To review and make complex calculations, which impact on a customer’s entitlement and the Council’s income and expenditure.

You will have experience of working in a Revenues & Benefits environment, to understand and recognise the interactions of all elements within the service to maximise entitlement to the customer, whilst at the same time protecting the public purse. This would be different types areas of expertise, not necessarily years of experience.

You’ll have experience of working with customers to show that you can communicate with customers and colleagues, at all levels, both verbally and in writing, to impart and obtain the appropriate information required to achieve effective and efficient outcomes for all.

The role requires you to use your strong communication and negotiation skills and ability to communicate with all customers, partners, ability to make difficult decisions showing tact and diplomacy.

You will be able to demonstrate the ability to take on board and understand complex legislation, as the role is dependent on your ability to review any part of the caseload, to a high degree of detail, to enable verification of accuracy and be able to communicate your findings to others.

A significant requirement of the role is the use of ICT. This is facilitated through a number system and software packages, which require a high level of confidence, ability and experience. Your skills will include the use of PCs and Microsoft office.

You will have strong analytical thinking skills, that show the ability to gather information to understand issues and associated implications.

You’ll be able to self-motivate and work to high standards of accuracy, to achieve targets and deadlines. Your experience would include a flexible approach to work, either when working on your own initiative and as part of a team.

You’ll have strong ability strong planning, organisational and time management skills, which will be essential in undertaking the role.

You will be able to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs.

Our benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 27 days annual leave per year, 28 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Car Lease scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
• Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
• Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

The council is in the process of implementing a new pay structure and terms and conditions which will be applicable to this role.  The outcome could result in a future variation to the advertised salary, and this will be discussed at interview.

About us

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. 

At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.