At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver top-notch rent services and support tenants.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, committed to community and service excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and potential for hybrid working.
- Other info: Internal applicants only; great opportunity for career growth within the council.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in rent collection or housing management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 41870 - 46720 € per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £20.13 - £22.51
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday. Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable. To start 1st July 2026.
East Lothian Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Rent Advice Officer to play a key role in delivering an effective and customer focused rent service. This post is critical to ensuring the accurate and efficient collection of rent, reducing arrears, and supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies. You will provide daily supervision and guidance to our team, manage complex and sensitive cases, and support the achievement of agreed performance targets, ensuring compliance with legislation, Council policies, and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate the work of the Rent Advice Team to ensure high standards of performance and service delivery.
- Support the collection of rent, reduction of arrears, and achievement of performance targets.
- Lead on complex cases, customer complaints, disputes, and appropriate recovery action.
- Monitor and review tenancies, with an emphasis on personal contact and tenancy sustainment.
- Provide expert rent advice to customers, colleagues, and partner agencies.
- Collate and analyse performance data to support management information and decision making.
- Mentor and support staff, apprentices, and new employees.
- Deputise for the Team Leader when required.
You will have experience in rent collection, housing management, or a related field, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation and welfare considerations. You will be confident supervising staff, managing performance, handling complex cases, 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 service to collect Rent income to ensure that the Council has the finances to deliver high quality services to all East Lothian Council tenants. Provide support, guidance and advice to colleagues and external bodies by coordinating and monitoring the Teams performance to maximise efficiency of the service provision. Ensure customers, the team and services are fully supported and all work is in compliance with the Council's policies, procedures and legislation 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, Business Administration 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.
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.
Senior Rent Officer - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12615 employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, offering flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid work arrangements. With a strong commitment to community service, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and growth. The Council values its staff, providing opportunities for mentorship and skill enhancement, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking a rewarding career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Rent Officer - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12615
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your colleagues and connections within East Lothian Council. Let them know you're interested in the Senior Rent Officer position. Sometimes, a friendly chat can lead to insider tips or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the 'East Lothian Way'. Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected from employees. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled complex cases or improved team performance in your previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and familiar with the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Rent Officer - INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY - EAL12615
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you highlight the right skills and experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and essential criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and support there to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Rent Officer. Brush up on rent collection processes, housing management, and relevant legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supervising a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading others. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully managed performance or handled complex cases. This will demonstrate your capability to mentor and support staff effectively.
✨Understand the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Be ready to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work. This shows that you align with their culture and are committed to delivering excellent customer service.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, challenges they face, or opportunities for professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
