Administrative Assistant (Crisis Resilience Fund) – Benefit Operations

Job title: Administrative Assistant (Crisis Resilience Fund) – Benefit Operations

Salary: Band C, SCP 5-8 (£26,427 - £27,709)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 Years)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE / Hybrid working as required

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised Administrative Assistant to join our Revenues & Benefits Service. This role provides essential administrative support across a range of functions, including the Crisis Resilience Fund, Benefits Pre-Assessment, Benefits Overpayments and associated operational activities.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy and supportive team where you will play a key role in helping residents access financial support and ensuring benefits-related processes are administered effectively and accurately.

You will be part of a collaborative service committed to delivering excellent customer service and supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.

The post is offered on a fixed-term basis for 2 years.

The opportunity:

• You will process applications and awards relating to Crisis Resilience Fund payments.
• You will undertake pre-assessment work for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction applications.
• You will support the Benefits Overpayments Team in maximising Housing Benefit overpayment recovery.
• You will maintain accurate electronic records and carry out data entry and data cleansing activities.
• You will liaise with customers, colleagues and partner organisations using a variety of communication methods.
• You will contribute to achieving team performance and quality targets through accurate and timely processing of work.

You will:

• Provide administrative support across Benefits Operations functions.
• Process work accurately and efficiently in accordance with service procedures and standards.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure information is stored electronically in line with service requirements.
• Deal with customer enquiries and correspondence professionally and courteously.
• Work closely with Benefits Officers, Technical Officers and Team Managers to support service delivery.
• Contribute to service performance targets through high-quality and accurate work.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and willingness to learn new processes and systems.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support team objectives and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for:

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade C/Level 4 or above) or equivalent Level 2 qualifications in literacy and numeracy.
• Experience of working in a busy office environment, preferably within a Benefits or Revenues & Benefits setting.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and handling information with attention to detail.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with customers and colleagues both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage workloads effectively.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and performance targets.
• A flexible, proactive and customer-focused approach with the ability to work well as part of a team.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values-led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to residents across the borough.

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell.

Please submit a CV and supporting statement to Sheona Grey at [email removed].

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.

If you wish to apply as a Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your application.