Benefits Service Manager

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Benefits Service Manager to lead the delivery of a high-performing Revenues and Benefits service within a busy local authority environment.

This is a key leadership role responsible for managing the administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments and associated support schemes, ensuring services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with corporate objectives.

The successful candidate will oversee operational performance, lead large processing teams and drive service improvements through effective performance management, legislative implementation and the use of emerging technology.

The Role
Lead the day-to-day operation and performance of the Benefits service, ensuring efficient administration of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Single Support Grant schemes and Discretionary Housing Payments.
Manage a large operational team including delivery managers, quality managers and assessment officers.
Drive service performance to achieve and maintain top quartile performance across accuracy, speed and quality of benefit administration.
Monitor team performance, throughput and accuracy, implementing training and targeted interventions where required.
Ensure services operate fully in line with benefits legislation, regulations and corporate objectives.
Lead the implementation of new legislation, policy changes and system developments, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
Manage and monitor the Discretionary Housing Payment budget and support homelessness prevention initiatives.
Work closely with internal departments including Housing, Revenues, Adult Social Care and Customer Services to deliver a joined-up service.
Represent the council at appeals, tribunals and court proceedings where required.
Produce performance reports, statistical analysis and management information to support senior decision making.
Lead continuous service improvement initiatives, including exploring emerging technology to improve customer outcomes.
Deputise for the Service Group Manager for Revenues and Benefits where required.

Key Requirements
Extensive experience managing a Benefits or Revenues & Benefits service within a local authority environment.
Excellent knowledge of Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and associated benefits legislation, including subsidy rules and appeals processes.
Experience leading and motivating large operational teams and managing service performance.
Strong experience implementing legislative and policy changes within a benefits service.
Proven ability to analyse data, manage budgets and drive service improvements.
Excellent communication skills with experience presenting reports to senior management and stakeholders.
Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Commitment to delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
Knowledge of benefits IT systems and workflow management platforms.

What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your CV today.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately your application has not been successful.

Footnote

If you feel that this job matches your skill set but not your location, rate or current seniority, please still feel free to send us your CV. We constantly recruit for similar roles across Revenues and Benefits, Benefits Management and Welfare Services throughout the UK.

Even if you are happy in your current role, we welcome calls from Benefits Service Managers, Revenues & Benefits Managers, Benefits Team Leaders and Senior Assessment Officers looking to make future connections.

Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. By applying for this position, you agree that Carrington West may hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your details will only be shared with third-party clients relevant to roles you have applied for. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.