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- Tasks: Help manage Council Tax and support residents with financial difficulties.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, dedicated to delivering quality services to the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, flexible hours, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in customer service and debt management.
- Qualifications: HNC/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience required; customer-focused attitude is essential.
- Other info: Full training provided; must be UK resident and able to attend the office occasionally.
The predicted salary is between 28322 - 30257 £ per year.
Location: Council HQ John Muir House Brewery Park Haddington, EH41 3HA
Salary: £28,322 - £30,257 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work From Home: Hybrid
An opportunity has arisen for two Council Tax & Debt Management Officers to work within the Council's Revenues Service in John Muir House, Haddington. The role assists with maximising income and minimising arrears to ensure the Council has the finances to deliver quality services.
The successful candidates will:
- Assist with the billing and collection of Council Tax
- Provide advice and support to local residents to prevent Council Tax arrears accruing
- Negotiate repayment of debt owed
- Promote Direct Debit and online services
- Ensure that entitlement to all Council Tax reductions are maximised
- Contribute to service improvement work
The successful candidates must be able to demonstrate experience of working within a customer-focused environment and should have the ability to work with people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Experience of working in a debt management environment is desirable.
The successful candidates will be highly motivated and have excellent communication, organisational and negotiation skills, and be able to work effectively using Microsoft Office applications and other Council IT systems.
Applications for homeworking or hybrid working will be considered for this post, subject to a trial period and in accordance with East Lothian Council's Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. All applicants must live in the UK and will be expected to attend Council offices from time to time as required.
Responsible for the delivery of an effective and efficient Council Tax service which ensures that the Council has the finances to deliver a high-quality service to Council Tax payers in East Lothian ensuring customers are fully supported throughout the process and in compliance with the Council's policies, legislation and plans with a commitment to achieve best value.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The 'East Lothian Way' – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
- Relevant Qualifications: HNC/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge e.g. IRRV and/or relevant working experience.
- Driving Licence: A full current driving licence is desirable for this post.
- Disclosure: This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.
Please note: If a Disclosure check is required and you have spent more than 3 months working or living outside the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Please note: We do not accept CVs (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the online application form. Although there is an 'import data from my CV' function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.
Contact Detail:
East Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Council Tax & Debt Management Officer - 2 Positions Available
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours. During the interview, you may be asked questions based on these, so understanding them will help you demonstrate that you align with the council's expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in customer-focused environments, especially if you've worked with individuals facing financial difficulties. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've supported customers in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role involves negotiating repayment of debts. Consider practising scenarios where you might need to persuade someone to agree to a payment plan.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you're comfortable using Microsoft Office applications and any relevant IT systems. If you have experience with specific software used in debt management, mention it during your interview to stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Council Tax & Debt Management Officer - 2 Positions Available
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description and person specification for the Council Tax & Debt Management Officer role. Make sure you understand the essential criteria and responsibilities, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have in customer service or debt management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills align with the requirements of the role, particularly your ability to work with individuals facing financial difficulties.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your communication, organisational, and negotiation skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles, especially in a customer-focused environment.
Complete the Online Application Form: Remember that CVs are not accepted for this position. Ensure you fully complete the online application form on our website, paying close attention to detail and ensuring all information is accurate and relevant to the job.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Council Tax & Debt Management Officer, especially around income maximisation and debt negotiation.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to work in a customer-focused environment. Highlight any instances where you've helped individuals facing financial difficulties, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your communication, organisational, and negotiation skills. Think of specific situations where you successfully used these skills, particularly in a debt management context.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Policies
Review the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours expected from employees. Be prepared to answer questions related to these during the interview, demonstrating how your personal values align with those of the council.