Location: Penrith, with home working and regular field visits within the Westmorland and Furness area
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 aBenefits and Visiting Officer, as we continue to enhance and improve our services.
This role is key in ensuring the accurate and timely administration of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, as well as the administration of Housing Benefit overpayment recovery and the newly introduced housing payments as part of the Crisis Resilience Fund. You will 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 is committed to putting our customers and communities first and being at the heart of everything we do.
Who we are looking for…
- An organised and motivated individual with experience or knowledge of Housing Benefits administration and relevant legislation
- 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 travel across the district
The role will involve regular travel across Westmorland and Furness, and a valid driving license with access to a vehicle is desirable.
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 would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact Graeme Gill on 01768 212131
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 04/06/26
Interview date: 11/06/26
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].
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.
