Rent Recovery Officer in Basildon

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Council to recruit a Rent Recovery Officer on an initial 3 month contract with view to extend. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week, followed by hybrid working after an initial training period.

The Revenues and Benefits Service administers the billing and collection of Council Tax, Business Rates, Council Rents, Corporate Debt, the assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The Service is responsible for ensuring that benefits are paid timely and accurately, the tax base is protected, tenancies are sustained and income to the Council is maximised. These post holders ensure that decisions on the collection and recovery of all council rents are made in accordance with law and policy guidelines in order to maximise income to the authority and to promote tenancy sustainment. All staff must be mindful of potential fraud and that suspected irregularities are referred for investigation in all cases.

The post holder will need to have a full driving licence and have access to your own vehicle with business use insurance.

The Opportunity

The purpose of this post is to undertake the collection and recovery of all council secure, temporary and use and occupation rent accounts. The role will ensure quality and accuracy of all work undertaken and will be required to adhere to all relevant legislation, policies and guidance.

Accountabilities

• To organise and manage own workloads, working independently and under your own initiative in order to maximise income to the council whilst sustaining tenancies for our residents.
• To have up to date relevant knowledge of housing law and all court protocols, ensuring that processes and decisions are applied in accordance with law and policy guidelines.
• To ensure that appropriate methods of collections and appropriate sanctions are pursued, having regard to the means and circumstances of debtors, ensuring that due regard of the Equality Act is taken into consideration for all residents including those vulnerable.
• To prepare witness statements and other relevant documentation including concise and accurate eviction warrant reports.
• Liaise with the courts, the police and any enforcement agents in relation to applications for eviction for non-payment of council rents.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of working in a recovery section or in a similar environment dealing with the collection of debt.
• Experience of customer/public contact demonstrating good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of accurately maintaining and interpreting personal and financial data.
• Knowledge of Welfare Benefits Legislation.
• Full UK Driving Licence with access to own vehicle.
• Knowledge of Borough Rents & Recovery Experience.

Why choose Basildon Council?

Basildon Borough Council is one of the largest local authorities in the East of England region and serves a population of approximately 172,000 people. The town of Basildon is regarded as a key economic hub with the main areas of employment being engineering, research and development, distribution and financial services. Basildon is also the second biggest economy in the Thames Gateway, outside of Canary Wharf. Working for Basildon Borough Council means making a practical and positive difference to the lives of people living and working in the Borough and provides a fulfilling career. Each of our employees – whatever job role they are undertaking – can feel motivated by having a unique opportunity to use their skills to make Basildon a better place to live. Whether it is conserving our countryside, regenerating our Borough, housing our residents or collecting the refuse on time.

Note: ECC are advertising this role on behalf of Basildon Council. Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation. The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via Working for Essex website. If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email.