Working hours: 35 hours per week (flexible working)
Contract type: Permanent
Working style: Hybrid
Closing date: 11.59pm, 20 October 2026
Interview method / date: First stage assessment: week commencing 26 October 2026. Second stage interview: week commencing 9 November 2026.
This is an apprenticeship role and has additional requirements:
You must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. You must also have lived in the UK, Ireland, the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for the previous three years. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
This role is open to Manchester residents only
Use the Council Finder to check your local authority is Manchester. Applicants outside of Manchester will be rejected.
This role is an apprenticeship role, and the successful applicant will be required to undertake a course of study leading to the Level 4 Revenues and Benefits Welfare Practitioner. This apprenticeship will take approximately 18 months to complete.
Please note: As part of this apprenticeship, you may be required to undertake English and/or Maths learning where this is relevant to the apprenticeship standard, the role requirements, or your existing qualifications. Applicants should be willing to complete any required learning and assessment as part of the apprenticeship programme.
About the Role
As a Benefits Officer (Apprentice), you will join a team dedicated to delivering high-quality outcomes for Manchester residents. You will gain experience in assessing benefit claims, processing changes in circumstances, applying legislation and guidance, and providing support to customers, developing valuable skills and knowledge within a busy and rewarding service.
You'll help thousands of residents each year by administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, helping people access financial assistance with their housing and council tax costs. The Benefits Officer Apprentice role is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in local government, contributing to the delivery of an accurate and customer-focused service while undertaking accredited training through the Institute of Revenues, Ratings and Valuations (IRRV).
In this role you will:
- Provide an accurate, efficient and prompt assessment service for a range of benefits, using a range of bespoke ICT systems to carry out the role. You will communicate effectively with residents, landlords and colleagues to create the best outcome for our residents.
- Ensure a “whole service approach” is taken, working closely with colleagues in other parts of the service to ensure correct liability and to prevent recovery action where appropriate.
- Learn, understand and apply complex guidance and procedures in relation to benefits claim processing, and maintain and update this knowledge.
- Take ownership and responsibility for own casework and assist and support colleagues and teams within the unit where directed.
For queries about the role, please contact the hiring manager, Alexandra Corden at [email protected] or call 0161 953 8246 to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for vacancy related enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.
Pre-employment checks
If you are successful, your appointment will be subject to completing the relevant pre-employment checks. These checks will be carried out as part of our recruitment process and includes:
- BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance - this post is subject to BPSS checks. You will therefore be required to consent to and comply with BPSS checking requirements prior to commencing in this post. This check involves verification of identity; nationality and immigration status; employment history (past 3 years) and basic criminal record check.