At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to help resolve debt issues for vulnerable clients.
- Company: Barnet Council, committed to community improvement and employee well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About the role
Work as part of a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team to review and process adult social care cases with an outstanding debt to the local authority and develop more effective processes to prevent debt occurring and address it early. This role will be based within Customer Finance but will work across Multidisciplinary Teams with a focus on debt recovery arrangements.
The key focus of this role is to ensure that both current and future debt recovery arrangements are fit for purpose, meet the council's financial policies and procedures, are compliant with our principles of strengths-based working and support the work of social care professionals working with vulnerable clients and their families in situations where a debt has arisen.
This will be achieved in the following ways:
- The post holder will review case notes and work with social care staff to understand a client’s circumstances and case history, including reasons that they have got into debt with the authority.
- Work with clients and their families/carers to resolve queries and arrange payments of outstanding debts. This will include phone calls and (often) home visits where appropriate.
- Complete or update financial assessments and set up ongoing payment arrangements to avoid future debts (including promotion of direct debit).
- Update case notes to ensure that they are accurate and support ongoing case management.
- Support work to agree best working processes for the department and contribute to written policies and procedures.
- Provide regular feedback to the Customer Finance Team Manager on the progress of their casework, escalating issues whereby there is a delay in recovery or other complexity requiring management oversight.
- Work closely with external agencies in respect of debt recovery activity ensuring that clients and their families have access to appropriate support in respect of debt recovery activity.
- Ensure that case information including financial information is up to date on Mosaic enabling the service to run reports on outstanding debt and track their recovery.
- Ensure that appropriate financial control procedures are in place and that restrictions around recovery arrangements as set out in policy are rigorously applied.
What we offer:
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well-being training programmes including confidential employee assistance
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact grace.akinfe@barnet.gov.uk - Income and Recovery Lead.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview.
Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert.
Income and Recovery Recovery Officer - Fixed Term Contract in London employer: Borough of Barnet
The Borough of Barnet is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With extensive annual leave and dedicated training opportunities, the Facilities Team Lead role provides a meaningful chance to contribute to the community while developing your career in a vibrant Greater London setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income and Recovery Recovery Officer - Fixed Term Contract in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
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✨Leverage Online Job Portals
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We think you need these skills to ace Income and Recovery Recovery Officer - Fixed Term Contract in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Borough of Barnet.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Borough of Barnet that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
