Reference: CBC25016
Salary details: £28,163 to £30,559 per year (pro rata)
Job term: Permanent
Appointment type: Part Time
Hours: 20 hours per week (Monday to Wednesday)
Location: Town Hall
Department: Digital, HR and Customer Services
CBC25016 - Job description and person specification
If you would like an accessible version of a job description then please contact the Human Resources team.
About the role
We are looking for a Revenues and Benefits Visiting Officer to join our Revenues and Benefits service team.
You will be responsible for inspecting domestic and commercial properties within the Derbyshire Dales District Council area to ensure accurate records and maximise income to the council.
Chesterfield Borough Council delivers Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Revenues and Benefits service. This role will have a base in Chesterfield but carries out the duties on behalf of Derbyshire Dales District Council.
This role involves conducting property inspections, verifying benefit claims, investigating discrepancies, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders. You may also be required to represent the Council in court hearings and evictions related to non-payment of housing rent, Council Tax, Business Rates (NNDR), or commercial debt.
Key responsibilities:
- conduct inspections of new, altered, and empty properties to maintain accurate Council Tax and Business Rates records
- verify Council Tax discounts, exemptions, and disabled relief and inspect unoccupied properties
- assess Business Rates relief applications, including hardship and discretionary relief
- undertake home visits to verify benefit claims and gather supporting evidence
- maintain accurate records and follow lone worker procedures
- provide data for the Council Tax base report to support financial planning
- investigate property database discrepancies and trace inquiries
- work closely with planning and building control to report property changes to the Valuation Office Agency
- provide witness statements and evidence in tribunals and court proceedings
- report suspected fraud cases to the DWP Investigations team
- handle telephone enquiries from residents and businesses
- ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and report concerns appropriately
- identify and implement service improvements to enhance the customer experience
- support the induction and coaching of new staff members
Essential skills and knowledge:
- clear and professional communication skills (written and verbal)
- a strong commitment to customer service excellence
- problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and address issues
- empathy and understanding when dealing with sensitive situations
- strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with customers and colleagues
- adaptability to different situations and challenges
- excellent organisation and time management skills
- IT literacy and ability to use digital systems effectively
- ability to understand and apply complex legislation
- full UK driving licence and ability to travel within the Derbyshire Dales area
Desirable skills and knowledge:
- knowledge of Business Rates Supplements Act 2009 and Local Government Finance Act 1992
- understanding of information governance and data protection
- experience in local government service delivery and working with external agencies
Essential experience:
- experience of working in a team environment
- a track record of going the extra mile for customers
Desirable experience:
- experience in revenues and benefits property inspections
- understanding of rateable value calculations and multipliers
- knowledge of the role of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
- experience of presenting evidence in court or tribunals
Essential qualifications:
- GCSE standard education
A satisfactory DBS certificate will be required.
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Desirable qualifications:
- IRRV, CIOH, or similar qualification, or relevant experience
Why join us?
- be part of a dynamic and supportive team
- opportunity to develop your career in local government
- contribute to the financial stability of the borough
- competitive salary and benefits package
Candidates must possess the necessary right to work authorisation to enable them to work for Chesterfield Borough Council. Regrettably, we are unable to provide sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this juncture.
How to apply
Interested candidates should initially apply with their CV and a covering letter stating the job title, and clearly demonstrating suitability and experience for the role. Please send it to hrjobs@chesterfield.gov.uk no later than the closing date shown below.
If you don't already have a CV you can use our template below. We also have advice about how to write your cover letter.
| CV Template |  (Word 52 KB) |
Closing date: 6 April 2025
Provisional interview date: 14 April 2025