Claims Officer – HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is looking for a detail-oriented Claims Officer to join the Judicial Pay and Expenses Team (JPET) in Manchester. This role is part of the Chief Financial Officer’s Directorate and is essential to the smooth administration of justice in England and Wales. If you are committed to public service and want a role with real purpose—ensuring our judiciary, witnesses, and appellants are paid accurately and on time—this is an excellent opportunity to build a career within the Civil Service.

About the Role

As a Claims Officer (AO grade), you will be a key member of the Judicial Fees, Expenses, and Payroll (JFEPs) team. Your primary responsibility is to act as a caseworker, processing fee and expense claims from Courts and Tribunals. This is a technical administrative role that requires a high degree of accuracy and a “first-time right” approach. You will spend your day validating claims against strict national policies, interacting with members of the judiciary and legal professionals, and resolving complex queries. You are the safeguard that ensures public funds are distributed correctly while maintaining a high level of customer service for those who keep the justice system moving.

Key Responsibilities

Claim Processing: Receive, check, and process fee and expense claims, ensuring they are valid and comply with internal policy.
First-Line Approval: Conduct rigorous first-line checks to confirm all data is correct before authorizing payments in the monthly payroll.
Query Management: Act as the point of contact for claimants (including Judges and legal professionals), responding to enquiries via letter, email, and telephone.
Compliance: Reject incorrect or non-compliant claims, providing clear and professional advice to claimants on how to resolve issues.
Process Improvement: Proactively identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies in team workflows and suggest improvements to management.
Collaborative Working: Partner with IT and payment service providers, as well as hearing centre staff, to clear workloads efficiently.

Requirements & Skills (Person Specification)

Essential Criteria:

Adaptability: A willing approach to working in a culture of change and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills, with the ability to explain complex policy rules clearly to diverse stakeholders.
IT Proficiency: Strong computer skills, with a specific emphasis on Advanced Excel for data management and investigation.
Analytical Skills: The ability to investigate and resolve complex financial issues or discrepancies within claims.

Benefits & Working Arrangements

Location: Ordinarily based at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, with occasional travel to other HMCTS sites.
Pension: Access to a highly competitive contributory Civil Service pension scheme.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave allowance and flexible working policies to support a healthy lifestyle.
Growth: Extensive training and development opportunities tailored to financial and administrative career paths.
Visa Note: The salary for this role falls below the general threshold for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Applicants must generally have the right to work in the UK independently.

Application Advice

To apply, you must submit a Statement of Suitability (250 words) and a behavior example for “Making Effective Decisions” (250 words). We strongly recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to evidence your skills.

To apply for this job please visit restless.co.uk.