Job Profile Questionnaire

Rob Golden - Administrative Assistant

Housing Benefits Department

Describe a typical working day
I work in the Housing Benefit Office within Exchequer and Support Services. The main part of my job is to assess entitlement to housing and council tax benefit. Benefit is available to help Tameside residents with their rent and Council tax payments.

To establish entitlement to benefit I have to gather and verify information to support claims and calculate the income of the customer and other residents within their household. I also check tenancy agreements and council tax liability.

Additionally, I deal with customers who telephone the office. This means dealing with residents, landlords or other local agencies who telephone with a variety of enquiries.

The aim of my office is to promote benefit to all residents of the borough and to pay benefit correctly and promptly to all those who are entitled.

What attracted you to working for us?
This job can be demanding at times, however, I also find it very rewarding as I enjoy working with members of the public and like to ensure people receive the help to which they are entitled.

Tameside also has many employee benefits which all employees can take advantage of.

What advice would you give someone looking for opportunities in this area?
If you like to be kept busy and enjoy working with the public and helping people this could be the ideal job for you.

A background in benefits would be a help, however, gaining experience in this area can be difficult. Tameside has a great website and you can improve your knowledge of the section and the services it provides by logging onto the website.

What qualifications or experience are essential for this kind of work?
You must be a good communicator and have experience dealing with the public. The ability to work under pressure either on your own or as part of a team is also a must in this busy environment.

Good literacy and numeracy skills are an essential requirement.

To progress in this area there is also the opportunity to undertake the professional IRRV qualification.

What is the best thing about your work?
I enjoy a challenge and, therefore, find that this job is ideal. The service is always looking for ways to improve service delivery and performance.

Recently we have introduced a system where all incoming work is scanned and sent directly to your computer. We now have a paperless office which is great.

Being recognised for doing a good job is also important to me.

Tameside Housing Benefit Office is one of the best offices of its kind in the North West, this was reflected when we were awarded the highest possible score from the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate, for the fourth year running.

What opportunities does your local authority provide you that you cannot get elsewhere?
Tameside provides good training opportunities. Training is usually identified through EDRs and regular one to ones which you have with your manager.

There is corporate training which covers anything from first aid to project management.

There is I.T. training in both 'excel' and 'word' or you can take a course to gain an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence).