Benefits Officer WMF3082e

Role overview

Westmorland and Furness Council is looking to appoint a Benefits and Visiting Officer to join its Revenues & Benefits team in Penrith. The post combines office-based work with home working and regular field visits across the Westmorland and Furness area.

This is an important role focused on delivering a high-quality, customer-centred benefits service. The successful candidate will help ensure Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support are administered accurately and on time, support the recovery of Housing Benefit overpayments, and handle newly introduced housing payments linked to the Crisis Resilience Fund.

The position also includes home and other visits to customers to check information, provide support, and help reduce fraud and error. The role contributes to a compliant and effective service that improves outcomes for local residents.

What the council is looking for

The ideal candidate will be organised, motivated, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-moving environment. You should be confident meeting customers face to face and able to deal with sensitive situations in a professional and empathetic way.

A strong understanding of Housing Benefit administration and the related legislation is important, along with the ability to manage workloads, meet deadlines, solve problems, and make sound decisions. The role also requires experience of working with a range of stakeholders, including vulnerable people, plus good IT skills and a flexible approach to travel across the district.

Working arrangements

The role is based in Penrith, with home working and regular travel across Westmorland and Furness. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable because the job involves frequent travel.

Pay and employment terms

Salary for this permanent full-time role is £32,061 to £32,597 per year, based on a 37-hour working week. The role was listed with a contract basis in the source material.

Benefits and support

The council offers a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave, and additional perks and discount schemes. Interview arrangements may be either in person or virtual, and details will be shared with shortlisted candidates. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed if needed.

Equality and recruitment information

Westmorland and Furness Council says it is committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves and to maintaining an inclusive, supportive culture. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Leader commitment. Guaranteed interviews are also available for Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and for care-experienced applicants and those under 24 years old who meet the essential criteria.

The interview period is scheduled for the week commencing 27/07/26. The application closing date is 20/07/2026. The role reference is WMF3082e.

Additional notes

Applicants needing help with technical issues during the application process were directed to contact the HR Systems Team. An informal discussion about the role could be arranged by contacting Graeme Gill.