At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customers facing homelessness with rent advice and financial guidance.
- Company: East Lothian Council, dedicated to community support and housing services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and potential for hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in rent collection or housing services is essential.
Hourly rate of pay: £16.70 - £17.84
Temporary for 16 months.
Days and Hours of Work:
Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible. To start asap.
East Lothian Council is seeking a committed and customer focused Rent Adviser to support the delivery of an effective Rent Advice service concentrating on Homeless and Temporary Accommodation. You will play a key role in collecting rent, reducing arrears, and providing high quality advice and support to customers who may be experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or complex personal circumstances. The role requires proactive account management, early intervention, personal contact, and close working with colleagues and partner agencies to support sustainable outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the delivery of team objectives, plans, and performance targets
- Collect rent income and reduce arrears through early intervention and appropriate recovery action
- Identify customers experiencing difficulty paying rent and support affordable, sustainable repayment arrangements
- Monitor and review rent accounts for homeless households, including those in temporary accommodation
- Engage with customers through personal contact, telephone and written communication
- Negotiate repayment plans and clearly explain the consequences of non payment
- Provide advice and referrals on welfare benefits and income maximisation, including Universal Credit and the Scottish Welfare Fund
- Deal with complex and sensitive customer enquiries, including vulnerability and challenging behaviour
- Handle complaints and disputes in line with Council policy, escalating where appropriate
- Maintain accurate records and use a range of systems and databases to investigate and resolve complex enquiries
- Process refunds, transfers, and support the preparation of bad debt information
- Mentor less experienced staff and contribute to continuous service improvement
About You
You will have experience in rent collection, homelessness services, housing, or debt advice, with a good understanding of welfare benefits and relevant legislation. You will be confident working with vulnerable customers, managing challenging situations, and achieving performance targets. Strong communication, organisational, and customer service skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and professionally.
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.
Job Requirements
Relevant Qualifications: NC/SVQ Level 2/Higher or equivalent level of knowledge and/or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through relevant experience.
Driving Licence: As the duties of this role require you to effectively travel to successfully undertake the full remit of the role, you must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
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.
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.
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.
Rent Adviser (Homelessness) - EAL12921 in Haddington employer: East Lothian Council
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