Benefits Team Leader

Job Purpose We are seeking an experienced Benefits Team Leader to join the Benefits service on a temporary basis. The postholder will lead, manage, and coordinate the Housing Benefit Team, supporting the wider Revenues, Benefits and Customer Contact (RBCC) service to ensure the effective delivery of service objectives and performance targets. A key focus of the role will be effective use and oversight of the Academy system, ensuring accuracy, performance, and compliance across all benefits processes. Key Responsibilities * Lead, manage, and develop the Housing Benefits team to deliver a high-quality, compliant, and customer-focused service aligned to agreed performance targets. * Ensure effective use of the Academy system, maintaining high standards of data accuracy, workflow management, and system performance. * Monitor, analyse, and report on team and service performance, using system data to drive improvements and corrective actions. * Ensure accurate and timely processing of Housing Benefit and associated claims in line with current legislation and guidance. * Oversee complex and sensitive benefits cases, providing technical guidance and decision-making support to the team. * Maintain oversight of data integrity and reporting outputs within Academy, ensuring compliance and audit readiness. * Support the wider Revenues, Benefits and Customer Contact service, working collaboratively across teams to achieve shared objectives. * Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including optimising processes and system usage. * Deputise for senior management where required, representing the service in meetings and decision-making forums. * Ensure all activities align with corporate policies, service standards, and statutory obligations. Person Specification Essential Criteria * Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within a high-volume, customer-focused Revenues and Benefits environment. * Strong working knowledge of Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support legislation. * Hands-on experience using the Academy Benefits system, including workflow management, processing, and reporting. * Experience of managing performance using system data, with the ability to drive service improvements. * Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff. * Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. * Analytical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to interpret data and resolve complex issues