At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tenants with income maximisation and manage rent arrears recovery.
- Company: Sheffield City Council, dedicated to community welfare and financial inclusion.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and commitment to equality.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on community impact and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, numeracy, and experience in office administration.
The predicted salary is between 32427 - 39633 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as an Income Specialist within the Income Management and Financial Inclusion Team (IMFIT). Income collection is a key priority and is crucial to the health of the Housing Revenue Account – which funds all housing related services to Sheffield council tenants. With the roll out of Universal Credit continuing nationally, and the difficult financial climate many people are still facing, the challenge of supporting tenants during a period of great change, whilst maximising arrears recovery, continues to be extremely challenging.
The Income Management and Financial Inclusion Team are the lead players within the Housing Service in collecting rent and recovering arrears and also focus heavily on financial inclusion initiatives whilst working in partnership with many other teams and organisations, both within the Council as well as externally. The successful applicants will work in one of our teams based at Solpro Business Park. The work will be mainly office based but you will be required to work flexibly, from other offices across the city, and carry out home visits when necessary. The current arrangements are that staff are expected to work a minimum 60% of their weekly hours in a work location, allowing you the chance to then work up to 40% of your time from home. This is subject to change.
Working as part of a team with a proven track record you will:
- Have an effective telephone manner and excellent negotiation skills
- Be performance driven, and show a positive approach to hard work and achieving targets
- Provide support and advice to customers to maximise their income and prioritise payments of rent
- Take firm but fair recovery action in connection with unpaid rent from current and former tenants. This involves having difficult conversations with customers who are not paying their rent, and ultimately commencing legal actions where this continues
Successful applicants must also have:
- Good numeracy and written skills
- An ability to interpret and follow procedures, policies and legislation
- Experience of general office based administration systems and procedures
- An ability to use Microsoft IT and other relevant systems
We are looking to recruit people who are highly driven, motivated, professional, and enthusiastic. These are key positions, responsible for making a vital contribution to income collection and recovery and therefore protecting the Housing Revenue Account. We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.
Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.
Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share. If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade. Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.
Income Plus Specialist in Sheffield employer: Beighton
Sheffield City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to professional development, this role provides meaningful opportunities for growth in children's social care, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to make a real difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income Plus Specialist in Sheffield
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Beighton, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Beighton and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Income Plus Specialist in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Beighton and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Beighton
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Beighton, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Beighton.