Interim Strategic Lead – Benefits
Westmorland and Furness Council
Job id 4652

North Wales and North West
Salary £53,775 - £55,963

Closing Date 16th of June 2024

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About this opportunity

Westmorland and Furness Council is an ambitious authority that will shape public services for the better, building on the best and transforming them for the future.

 

Do you thrive working creatively, collaboratively and systematically in a fast paced, changing environment?

 

Are you looking for a new and rewarding challenge that will provide a real opportunity to transform and shape service delivery, maximising the use of technology within a Revenues & Benefits environment?

 

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Revenues & Benefits service for a highly motivated individual to work as an Interim Strategic Lead in Benefits as we embark on a significant change journey.  The right candidate will undertake a proactive, hands on role, providing effective management of the Benefits function, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit overpayment recovery, and play a lead role in transformation and organisational change, aligning the provision and administration of the service across the Westmorland and Furness area.   We are committed to putting our customers and communities first, and to be at the heart of everything we do.

 

Who are we looking for:

• An innovative and creative individual with significant experience of working at a senior level within a local authority Benefits environment, built up over a number of years, a relevant professional qualification is also desirable
• The right candidate will have demonstrable change management experience and be an effective communicator who can respond to any service and customer requirements whilst positively influencing those resistant to change
• You will have extensive, up to date technical knowledge of Housing Benefit legislation, and an understanding of associated legislation including GDPR and Information Security
• A team player who can work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, you will bring innovative solutions and strong decision making and problem-solving skills to the team
• You will have extensive skills and experience of using Revenues & Benefits software and the ability to support future software changes and digital innovation, enabling the service, its users, and system users to harness technology available to them currently and in the future
• The ability to be a bigger picture thinker and work collaboratively across Council services and Directorates to deliver our Council Plan priorities
• If you would like to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact Vicky McDonald on 01539 793329
• The post will require travel across the Westmorland and Furness anchor buildings in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith.

 

 What can we offer you!

• Excellent training and development offers
• Flexible working opportunities
• Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Boost your pension with Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise)
• Various perks and discounts schemes, including money off your phone contract and local gyms
• Competitive rates of pay

 

DBS

This role requires a basic DBS check

 

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 16 June 2024

Interview date: w/c: 24 June 2024 and w/c 01 July 2024

 

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.

 

If you are invited to a virtual interview, this will preferably be undertaken using the Microsoft Teams software, which is currently free for new users, however if there are any issues with accessing this technology, we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements prior to the interviews.

 

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs) to share this commitment.

 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

 

Please read the Supporting Information:

Post Specification

Role Profile