Discretionary Grants and Awards Officer

About the role

Coventry City Council is looking for a Discretionary Grants and Awards Officer to join its Resident Services team. The officer supports some of Coventry's most vulnerable residents by administering discretionary grants and awards that give financial assistance when it is needed most. Applications are assessed, entitlements calculated, award decisions made and advice given to customers and their representatives. The post is advertised as fixed-term full time for 12 months, with a permanent full-time position also available.

Key responsibilities

• Assess and process applications for discretionary grants and awards
• Support vulnerable residents with complex circumstances
• Provide guidance on welfare benefits, grants and budgeting
• Conduct telephone interviews and reviews where required
• Work closely with internal teams, support agencies and partner organisations
• Monitor expenditure to keep payments within budget allocations
• Help develop and improve services, procedures and customer experiences

Required profile

• Right to work in the UK; no sponsorship offered
• Excellent communication skills, confident face to face, by telephone and in writing
• Ability to support a diverse customer base and work in a fast-paced environment
• Good IT skills and an understanding of the range of services provided by the Council
• Flexibility to the needs of the service

Selection involves an interview and a scenario-based activity. The closing date for applications is Friday 13 November at midnight, with assessments on the week starting 23 November. The post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is conditional on a satisfactory DBS check. Guaranteed interviews are offered to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, people in or previously in care, and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.