At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Council Tax collection and debt management while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and potential for hybrid working.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and mentoring within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or housing roles, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29096 - 35562 £ per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £16.70 - £17.84
Temporary secondment cover until 13th January 2028.
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable. To start asap.
East Lothian Council is seeking a motivated and customer focused Council Tax & Debt Management Officer to support the delivery of an effective and efficient Council Tax and Debt Management service. You will play a key role in collecting Council Tax income, reducing arrears, and providing high quality advice and support to customers, ensuring services are delivered in line with legislation and Council policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect Council Tax efficiently and reduce arrears through early intervention and appropriate recovery action
- Manage and review Council Tax accounts, including complex and sensitive cases
- Negotiate payment arrangements and provide advice to help customers sustain affordable payments
- Assess Council Tax reduction applications and encourage take up of entitlements
- Provide information and referrals to internal and external support agencies
- Carry out recovery actions in accordance with legislation
- Investigate potential fraud, including single person discount cases
- Maintain accurate records and produce management information
- Promote Direct Debit, ebilling, and online payments
- Mentor colleagues and deputise for senior staff when required
About You
You will have experience in Council Tax, debt management, or a similar financial or housing related role, with a sound understanding of relevant legislation and welfare considerations. You will be confident managing challenging customer situations, achieving performance targets, and delivering excellent customer service. Strong communication, organisational, and problem solving skills are essential.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post 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.
Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details
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 customer is 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 (available under 'Job Attachments') 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. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.
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.
- Level 1 Disclosure Clearance: 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 you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/contact-us.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line 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. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Council Tax & Debt Management Officer - EAL13002 in Haddington employer: East Lothian Council
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Council Tax & Debt Management Officer - EAL13002 in Haddington
✨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.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Council Tax & Debt Management Officer - EAL13002 in Haddington
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 East Lothian Council
✨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 East Lothian Council.
✨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 East Lothian Council 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.
