About the job

Job summary

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers. We offer access to a whole host of learning and development opportunities to support your career development.

We’re looking for talented people who are eager to contribute to vital public services and assist us to deliver taxation and benefits support to the government and local authorities. Your skills and experience will enable us to provide an efficient, effective service right at the heart of the public interest.

Successful applicants will work within either Regional Valuation Unit , Council Tax Unit, Rent Officer Functions or Inner London Taxation and can be deployed to work across a range of caseworker roles.

Non-Domestic Rating covers business rates across all types of business properties from shops and warehouses to industrial units and pubs. Council Tax or Rent Officer Functions value residential properties such as flats and houses.

We are looking for people who are self-motivated, can communicate well with a range of people, pay attention to detail, and can use research and analytical skills in order to make sound decisions across these business areas.

There will be the opportunity to apply for one of our property qualification schemes while in post. 

At the heart of the agency, we are committed to providing our people with a work environment which is accommodating and accessible to all and which values diversity and inclusion in everything we do.  We encourage our people to bring their whole selves to work by providing a culture that values different perspectives to help tackle complex problems, promote innovation and deliver stronger decision making in a safe and supportive environment. We therefore welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds to join our organisation and enable us to be representative of the communities we serve.

Job description

Caseworker– Key responsibilities

Our activities are wide ranging and can include: 

• Using research and analytical skills to interpret information and make judgements to make evidence-based decisions on a range of cases across the three business areas.
• Working within current legislation and organisational policy and guidelines.
• Being accountable for decisions made.
• Researching and assessing casework.
• Direct contact with ratepayers/taxpayers and agents by phone or email. 
• Inputting and downloading of data into our computer systems.
• Appearing at Valuation Tribunal representing the Valuation Office - presenting evidence to the Tribunal members following discussions with taxpayers and/or agents where an agreement cannot be reached.
• Building relationships by working closely with other Property Caseworkers, and wider teams within the Valuation Office. 
• Inspection of both domestic and non-domestic properties as required.

Person specification

We are looking for someone who has excellent communication and facilitation skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels and to shape effective outcomes across a wide range of stakeholders.  As a Caseworker you will examine complex information and undertake detailed analysis to make accurate and informed decisions. Our caseworkers understand and apply technology to achieve efficient and effective business and personal results. The successful candidate will take initiative and suggest ideas for business improvements, developing networks and to share feedback with others in a constructive manner.  The successful candidate will have good horizon scanning and organisational skills and the ability to ensure that results are achieved on time, monitoring your work against milestones. We are looking for a self-motivator, able to work in a team environment and have the flexibility to switch, at short notice, between the various duties.

Essential Criteria

• Sound analytical skills and good judgement to inform their decisions.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people both orally and in writing.
• The ability to ensure that results are achieved on time, monitoring your work against milestones. 
• Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.  If you are based in Croydon, Canary Wharf or Wembley, a driving licence is not a requirement.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,360, Valuation Office Agency contributes £7,657 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

If you can meet our person requirements above we are keen to hear from you.

To apply for this post, you must complete an online application with the following:

A Personal Statement - in no more than 500 words, please outline your suitability for the role. Please pay particular attention to the Essential Criteria. 

Sift - w/c 27 December 2023  Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.

We will assess you on your  Personal Statement. 

Interviews - w/c 15 January 2024 Please note these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. These will be confirmed should you be invited to interview

Interviews are currently taking place using Microsoft Teams Video. We will provide more detail if you are shortlisted for interview.

We will assess you on the Behaviours listed in the job description and strengths.

At the interview, the panel can then probe further and ask applicants to provide further specific examples that show how they best demonstrate their skills.

Behaviours

The distinguishing Behaviours (the required skills, knowledge and behaviours) for this role are set out in the Civil Service Behaviours Framework 2018 (Success Profiles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)) and should be referred to when making this application.

You are required, under the Behaviours approach, to describe how you have dealt with a specific situation.

You must give evidence of your knowledge, skills and behaviours and how you have applied this, such as what you did or said and how you interacted with other people.

When you are giving your examples, do not spend too many words on description and background information. Avoid using general or unspecific statements. Instead say what the situation was, what you did what your thought process was and so on.

Further Information 

Candidates wishing to take up duty in Canary Wharf, should note that only five posts are currently available.

Candidates wishing to take up duty in Croydon and Wembley, should note that only 1 post is currently available in each location.

Should further positions in these locations become available in the future, posts will be offered from the reserve list in strict merit order.

As part of the application process you will be asked to tell us which of the locations available, you can work in. You will be able to specify up to 2 options.

Due to the way the CS Jobs system is set up, when choosing your preferred locations, you will find that the Wembley & Canary Wharf location will not appear on the list of options. They are replaced by Harlesden & Tower Hamlets.

Should you wish to choose Wembley as a location then please select Harlesden.

Should you wish to choose Canary Wharf as a location then please select Tower Hamlets. Please note the Tower Hamlets location is our Canary Wharf location, 10 South Colonnade, E14 4PU.

We will create separate merit lists for each location and make job offers from those lists. If successful you will be placed onto the list for your chosen locations. If you accept a role in one of the locations, you will automatically be removed from any other merit list.

Driving Licence 

Some sites are difficult to access via public transport and therefore a full UK Driving Licence is essential to the role. However, if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application. Please contact resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk with your details to discuss this further.

If you are based in Croydon, Canary Wharf or Wembley, a driving licence is not a requirement.

Any move to VOA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

VOA employees only:  If you are currently in receipt of DTA as a result of a VOA office closure/restructure and it is agreed for you to take up this role in your current location, you may continue to receive DTA for the remainder of the period you can claim for.  Please check with the Vacancy Holder on preferred locations for this role before you apply.

The VOA is an office-based organisation, however as all of our roles have aspects which can be completed from home, all colleagues have the ability to work a hybrid working pattern. The amount that colleagues work from home or office is defined by several factors including the nature of the work they carry out, the needs of their stakeholders, their development needs and personal circumstances such as caring responsibilities. To learn more about the hybrid working arrangements that could be available in this role, please contact the vacancy holder.

Pre-employment Checks

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:  Contact Government Recruitment Service via voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Terms & Conditions

Voluntary terms apply.

Reserve Lists

If we have more successful candidates than available vacancies, we will hold a 6-month reserve list as standard.

During that time, we may use the list to fill the same, or similar roles with closely matching essential criteria, without further testing of merit. Any appointments from the Reserve list will be made in strict merit order.

Starting Work

The successful candidates will normally take up duty within one month from notification of successful completion of pre-employment checks.

Applying

All applications for these vacancies must be made online. There are limited exceptions to this. Paper applications will only be considered if you have a disability that will prevent you from applying online. If this is the case, please email voarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Once you have submitted your application it cannot be amended; only submit your application when you have completely finished and answered all the relevant questions.

Please note that late applications will not be accepted.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Concerns/Complaints

The Valuation Office Agency’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, which outlines that selection for appointment is made on merit based on fair and open competition.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you may make a complaint, by contacting the Central Recruitment Team at the following address  resourcingteam@voa.gov.uk

If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint you have the right to complain to the Civil Service Commissioners.

 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.