At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage high-level rent arrears cases and ensure tenant engagement.
- Company: Join an award-winning housing association making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives while developing your skills in housing law.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex tenancy issues and strong knowledge of housing law required.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 28400 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an award winning and innovative housing association and our tenant focused Housing Team. We are looking for a proactive and focused individual to take ownership of cases once they reach the organisation’s agreed threshold for higher level arrears, which may include pre-notice investigation, notice preparation, notice service, court applications, court representation and eviction action.
About Us
The Cadarn Housing Group is the parent company with Cadwyn Housing Association, Newydd Housing Association, Newydd Maintenance Limited, Living Quarters (Lettings and Sales) Wales Ltd, and Igneous as subsidiaries. Cadarn Housing Group is the parent of the Group and provides oversight and support services role. Newydd Housing Association is a charitable housing association, that offers nearly 3,000 affordable homes for rent and sale to people where need is at its greatest in Mid and South Wales, working in several local authority areas. Cadwyn Housing Association owns and manages 3,000 homes for affordable rent and low-cost home ownership as well as a range of community regeneration initiatives.
About the role
This is a specialist role focused on serious and complex rent arrears cases. You’ll take ownership of cases once they reach the organisation’s agreed high-arrears threshold, managing them through investigation, legal action and resolution. Your work will balance income protection, legal compliance and tenant engagement, with a clear focus on achieving sustainable outcomes and preventing homelessness wherever possible — while progressing enforcement action where required.
What you’ll be doing:
- Taking ownership of high-level arrears cases from point of handover (Possession Notices – mainly RHW23s)
- Investigating cases for pre-action protocol compliance and serving Possession Notices under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
- Preparing robust, well-evidenced case files for legal action
- Submitting court applications and representing the organisation at court
- Progressing cases to eviction when all other options have been exhausted, ensuring legal, welfare and safeguarding considerations are addressed
- Working with tenants to complete financial assessments and agree realistic repayment arrangements
- Managing complex Housing Benefit and Universal Credit cases, including APAs, deductions and liaison with the DWP
- Recovering former tenant arrears and rechargeable repairs, including litigation where appropriate
- Working closely with Housing Officers, Financial Inclusion teams and specialist support services to ensure a joined-up approach
- Maintaining accurate case records and contributing data and insight to support performance and service improvement
About you
The role requires substantial experience managing complex rent arrears and serious tenancy issues within a housing association or similar environment. You’ll bring:
- Proven experience of preparing and presenting legal cases, including court representation
- Strong working knowledge of housing law, debt recovery and legal enforcement processes
- Detailed understanding of welfare reform, including Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
- Up-to-date knowledge of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and related legislation
- Confidence working with tenants experiencing financial difficulty while applying proportionate enforcement
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
You’ll be resilient, professional, and comfortable making difficult decisions within a legal and ethical framework. You will need a driving licence and have the use of a car every working day. The post is subject to a Basic DBS check and is subject to a renewal disclosure check every three years. Continually improving is at the heart of what we do. A high standard of work and the ability to be flexible and innovative is also important to us. So, if you are passionate about social housing and making a difference and have great customer service skills along with a can-do attitude, then why not apply?
Closing date for applications: midnight Thursday 12th February 2026
Interview date: Monday 23rd February 2026
*Please note that we reserve the right to close the role earlier than scheduled if a suitable candidate is found and/or subject to the number of applications received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Newydd are proud to be an equal opportunity employer! We respect and seek to empower our people by supporting the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds particularly from people of colour or people with disabilities as they are currently underrepresented in our workplace.
Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply or contact us to discuss your experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Income Recovery Officer in Cardiff employer: Cardiff Search
Cadwyn Housing Association is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and community impact. With a focus on social housing, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while benefiting from ongoing professional development opportunities and a collaborative environment in the heart of Cardiff. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity and strives to create sustainable outcomes for our tenants.
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