Housing Benefit Subsidy & Performance Monitoring
Officer predominantly home working/remote
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
We’re looking for a detail-focused and technically skilled individual to join our Revenues & Benefits team as a Housing Benefit Subsidy & Performance Monitoring Officer. This is a key role in ensuring the Council maximises its Housing Benefit subsidy while maintaining financial accuracy and compliance.
You’ll be responsible for monitoring and reporting on subsidy performance, completing government returns, and leading on the digital transformation of the service. You’ll also provide technical expertise on the MRI Revenues& Benefits system, lead and undertake benefits year end processes, support audit processes, and help identify and implement service improvements.
This role sits within the Finance Directorate and reports into the Revenues & Benefits Manager.
- Maximising income from overpaid benefits and minimising subsidy loss
- Completing and submitting subsidy and DHP returns accurately and on time
- Monitoring and reporting on subsidy performance and potential risks
- Supporting internal and external audits
- Leading on system testing, upgrades, and year-end processes
- Writing SQL scripts and producing reports for data analysis and FOIs
- Supporting digital transformation and service improvement initiatives
About you
We’re looking for someone who combines strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support systems. You’ll be confident working with data, legislation, and IT systems, and able to communicate technical information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
You’ll also be someone who thrives on improving services, enjoys problem-solving, and can work both independently and collaboratively.
- Experience in a subsidy and benefits systems role within a local authority or similar environment
- Strong knowledge of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support legislation
- Experience working with MRI Revenues & Benefits and document management systems
- Experience of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support year end processes
- Ability to write and interpret SQL scripts
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills
- A proactive approach to service improvement and digital transformation
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Elizabeth.Cleave@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 24th August 2025
Interview Date: Thursday, 4th September 2025
Interview Process: Standard Interview.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.