Overview
Grade C - £35,412 - £44,075 per annum
Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Pay Equity Review
Working 36.5 hours per week. We are seeking a highly motivated and analytically minded Tribunals Appeals Officer to join our team. This is a key role responsible for managing Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction appeals, ensuring our decisions are accurate, well‑evidenced and compliant with legislation. You will play a pivotal part in representing the organisation at tribunal hearings and supporting colleagues with complex casework.
This is a permanent role.
Responsibilities
- Review Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction appeals and prepare well‑structured, accurate responses.
- Draft detailed and legally robust written submissions for First-tier Tribunal hearings.
- Represent the organisation at tribunal hearings, presenting cases confidently and professionally.
- Ensure all appeal decisions and submissions comply with legislation, case law, and internal policies.
- Provide specialist advice to colleagues on complex benefit matters and appeal procedures.
- Interpret regulations, guidance, and case law to support accurate and consistent decision‑making.
- Maintain clear, accurate, and compliant case records in line with data protection standards.
- Work collaboratively with external stakeholders, including tribunal services, solicitors, and welfare rights representatives.
- Identify trends or recurring issues in appeals and contribute to improvements in processes and policies.
- Support the development of junior staff through mentoring, guidance, and training activities.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong decision‑making skills with a detailed understanding of benefit regulations.
- Confidence to present cases in a formal tribunal environment.
- Ability to manage detailed casework, work under pressure, and prioritise a varied caseload.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work independently.
- Experience within a legislative or benefits background is desirable.
Working Arrangements and Other Information
- Post utilises hybrid working arrangements, balancing remote work with required office-based and tribunal commitments.
- This role may require DBS check as part of safeguarding procedures.
- Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the appointment.
- Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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