Housing Benefits Overpayments & Control Officer

Join Surrey Heath Borough Council and be part of an organisation committed to delivery through meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service. We have a friendly and supportive staff culture with people who want to help make a real difference in our community for everyone that lives and works here. We embrace a culture of innovation and creativity welcoming new ideas. We support a work life balance with options for flexible and hybrid working.  

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) 

From April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, as part of a major local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey. West Surrey will cover the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking. 

While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities. 

Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future. When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety. 

About the Role 

You will combine Housing Benefit overpayment recovery with benefits control, helping to deliver an accurate, efficient and customer-focused service. Working with the Benefits Manager and colleagues, you will manage an overpayment caseload, issue invoices, negotiate and monitor repayment arrangements, trace debtors and pursue appropriate recovery through DWP benefits, earnings and other local authorities.  

You will also prepare weekly Housing Benefit payment runs, produce reports, reconcile payments and debtor accounts, and maintain accurate records through data validation and cleansing. Your work will include actioning DWP data matches and earnings information, administering Housing Benefit Award Accuracy Initiative reviews, identifying and referring suspected fraud, supporting the annual billing process and helping administer secure access to DWP systems.  

You will provide clear advice on Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Universal Credit enquiries, liaise with customers and partner organisations, and contribute to service improvements in line with legislation, data protection and safeguarding requirements. 

About You 

You will bring experience in a Revenues and Benefits environment, including successfully managing Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit overpayment caseloads, alongside a detailed understanding of benefits legislation, local government and the impact of these services on low-income households.  

You will be numerate and literate to GCSE level or equivalent and preferably hold qualified membership of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation or an appropriate Level 3 or higher Revenues and Benefits Practitioner qualification. Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, revenues and benefits systems and document management systems, will be matched by the ability to analyse complex data, resolve discrepancies and handle financial administration accurately.  

You will communicate clearly, negotiate effectively and deal with customers courteously and firmly, building strong working relationships with colleagues and partners. Organised, adaptable and able to work with minimal supervision, you will manage competing deadlines, support colleagues and champion digital improvements while maintaining confidentiality, safeguarding and equality standards.  

Experience of relevant banking procedures and successful overpayment debt recovery with customers and partners would be desirable. 

Additional Information 

Benefits  

We offer a generous benefits package including a minimum of 23 days’ annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, a generous local government pension scheme, free parking for all employees and payment of a professional membership fee. As well as subsidised gym membership at our local Places Leisure Centre, a cycle to work scheme and great savings from supermarkets, shopping, cinema tickets and holidays via the Kaarp Benefits scheme. A laptop and mobile phone will be provided for your role if applicable. 

Offers are usually made at the lower end of the salary band allowing for progression.  

Closing date: 27 November 2027 

Interview date: 07 & 08 December 2027 

Contact details 

For an informal discussion, please contact Ian Mancktelow, Housing Benefit Overpayment Officer on 01276 707214, ian.mancktelow@surreyheath.gov.uk 

Our Commitment 

Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff.  

NO AGENCY CALLS PLEASE 

Equal Opportunities

Surrey Heath Borough Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.