Job Title: Senior Benefits & Welfare Officer

Band: 7

Location: Basildon Centre

Contract Type and Hours: Permanent, 36.25 hours per week

Closing Date: 28th April 2026

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high‑quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high‑quality public services.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional and motivated Senior Benefits & Welfare Officer to lead the effective management and administration, of Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support, Housing and Exceptional Hardship awards and Welfare Support. Working with the Benefits & Welfare Manager, this is a key leadership role, responsible for a team of Benefits & Welfare Officers and Outreach & Engagement Officers ensuring all benefits are paid timely and accurately, the tax base is protected, tenancies are sustained and income to the Council is maximised.

You will be required deal with complex cases and provide advice, guidance and mentoring to your team of staff.

About what we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced officer with strong technical knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation and a proven track record in dealing with complex issues relating to Housing Benefit, Local Council Tax Support and Housing Payments.

You will have strong IT skills and will be expected to prepare and present Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support appeals at Tribunals.

This role would be perfect for a forward-thinking, IRRV qualified individual with great interpersonal skills and a passion for continuous improvement. Hybrid working is encouraged.

Please see attached the Job Description and Person Specification.

If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, please attach and submit your CV and covering letter detailing how you demonstrate the requirements of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note:

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its’ commitment, while implementing a range of policies to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation across all departments.

A DBS basic clearance is required for this role

We are proud to be a disability confident employer. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment, encouraging applications from disabled people and we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We value the diversity of our community and aim to have a workforce that reflects this. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and identities, and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.

We are proud holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligning with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All offers of employment are subject to pre employment checks and clearance.

Please note, if you do not have access to a desktop to apply- computers are available in the Job Centre, Library or our own Customer Service Centre.

Applicants with a hearing or speech impairment can contact us using the Text Relay Service. Dial 18001 followed by the full telephone number as above. Calls are charged at your telecommunications provider's standard rate.

If you have any queries regarding this or any of our roles, please contact Human Resources 01268 208242 or human.resources@basildon.gov.uk.

Good Luck with Your Application.