INTERNAL ONLY
Location: Barrow-in-Furness
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Westmorland and Furness Council is an ambitious authority that is shaping public services for the better, building on strong foundations and transforming them for the future.
Do you enjoy working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and evolving environment?
Are you confident dealing with customers face-to-face and committed to delivering high-quality services in the community?
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Revenues & Benefits service for a highly motivated individual to work as a Benefits Officer, as we continue to enhance and improve our services.
This role is key in ensuring the accurate and timely administration of all Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit overpayment recovery and the newly introduced housing payments as part of the Crisis Resilience Fund. You will also undertake visits to customers in their homes or other settings to verify information, provide support, and help prevent fraud and error.
The successful candidate will support the delivery of a compliant, effective and customer-focused Benefits Service, contributing to improved outcomes for our residents.
Westmorland and Furness Council are committed to putting our customers and communities first and being at the heart of everything we do.
- Assess and process all types of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims in line with legislation and policy.
- The recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures. Including process recovery for non-payers via other means i.e., attachment of earnings etc.
- To engage and communicate with customers and stakeholders providing guidance and advice. The ability to negotiate and influence the setting of payment plans, follow up missed payments and re-negotiate payment plans.
- Carry out verification visits to customers’ homes and other locations to gather evidence and support claims.
- Identify and investigate potential fraud, error or discrepancies in claims.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using relevant IT systems.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, including landlords and support agencies.
- Contribute to service improvements and ensure high standards of customer care
Who we are looking for…
- An organised and motivated individual with experience of Housing Benefits administration and relevant legislation.
- Housing Benefit overpayment and recovery experience, with a strong ability to negotiate payment plans.
- Someone confident in conducting face-to-face visits, with the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally and empathetically.
- A team player with excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to customer service.
- Ability to work accurately, manage workloads effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills and sound decision-making abilities.
- Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including vulnerable customers.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and relevant Revenues and Benefits systems.
- A flexible approach to work, including some travel across the Westmorland and Furness area.
- If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact Marina Jepson on 01229 876526.
The role will involve regular travel across Westmorland and Furness, a valid driving license with access to a vehicle is required.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
- If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Marina Jepson on 01229 876526.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 01/07/2026
Interview date: w/c 06/07/2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected].
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Individuals may be required to have Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in place for this role, dependent on access to specific government systems, which does include a Basic DBS check. The recruiting manager will discuss the requirements for this appointment, with the successful candidate.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
