Council tax officer jobs

If you are looking for council tax officer jobs, we have a fantastic contract role for a Billing and Benefits Officer to join a well-established company. The contract term is 3 months, but this could be extended.

This role is inside IR35, as a result is only suitable for umbrella contractors 

Role purpose

The purpose of this post is to administer all aspects of Council Tax billing, up to and including the issue of the bill and Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Support assessment. Ensuring a high standard of quality and accuracy of work. Staff will ensure that all work undertaken is in accordance with law, regulations and guidelines and handled as promptly and efficiently as possible.

Accountabilities

Firstly, the day-to-day administration of council tax billing and benefits processes. Secondly, interpretation of Council Tax and Benefits legislation, ensuring that processes and decisions apply in accordance with law and policy guidelines. Likewise, understand the impact that all assessments, accuracy, and overpayments have on subsidies. Also, administer the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in accordance with local policy and guidelines. Make decisions in respect of council tax liability, exemptions, discounts, reliefs, and housing benefit entitlements, and ensure that notices are issued in a timely manner, referring any matters of doubt to a senior billing and benefits officer. Most importantly, ensure the accuracy of the property and taxpayer databases, including housing benefits and LCTS data, by updating the IT systems and agreeing totals to the Valuation Office Agency where appropriate.

Other responsibilities

Firstly, verify and validate information, making all necessary calculations to determine entitlement and notifying customers accordingly.
Liaise with Visiting Officers in relation to establishment of liabilities, reliefs and other queries, including the completion of new dwellings and claims for benefit and LCTS.
To maintain an awareness of current legislation, policy and guidance relating to Council Tax, Housing Benefits and Local Council Tax Support.
Respond to requests from customers for clarification of decisions, providing statements of reasons, correcting any errors discovered and reconsidering any decisions where appropriate.
To liaise with all internal and external partners as required.
Undertake all the duties within the framework of Equal Opportunities.
Any other duties appropriate to the post: These other duties must be equivalent to or below the salary and status of the role and, where appropriate, under the Equality Act 2010, due consideration must be given to any employees with a ‘protected characteristic’.
Furthermore, undertake inquiries to identify exemptions, discounts, and reliefs from council tax and evaluate household details relating to housing benefit and local council support claims, carrying out detailed assessments of income, capital, and other resources relating to entitlement.
Lastly, cooperate in matters relating to Health and Safety and implement all procedures for your job role. The identification of Health and Safety related risks within the working environment must be highlighted to your management.

Experience needed

Firstly, experience of working in a benefits section or in a similar environment dealing with income-related assessments.
Secondly, good working knowledge of Council Tax and Housing Benefits law and procedures.
Likewise, experience of customer/public contact and excellent communication skills.
Also, experience of accurately maintaining and interpreting personal and financial data.
Lastly, experience of using office information systems.

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