At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tenants with rent issues and improve their financial wellbeing.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a progressive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, health perks, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Universal Credit and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 35412 € per year.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm
Worker Type: Hybrid Worker
Salary: Grade F – Starting Salary £32,597 (Level 1) rising to £35,412 (Level 4) per annum – pay award pending
Location: Harvey Road (NG8 3BB) will be the contracted base for this role, but the postholder will be expected to travel to other offices including Loxley House (NG2 3NG) as needed.
About the Role
We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Rent Support Officer to join our Rent Support Team within Nottingham City Council Housing Services. In this vital role you will work closely with tenants to help them sustain their tenancies, improve financial wellbeing and access the support they need to thrive. You will provide clear, accurate advice on rent arrears and welfare benefits, carry out comprehensive benefits checks and complete applications such as Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payments and Council Tax Support. You will support tenants with mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, help maximise income, reduce debt and build financial capability. Working with changing welfare legislation, you will manage a varied caseload, maintain detailed records and undertake home visits where required. You will liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions and partner organisations to resolve complex or safeguarding-related issues, identify eligibility for grants or one-off support, make referrals as appropriate, and signpost and support tenants into training or employment opportunities. This role suits someone who values inclusion, partnership working and person-centred support, and is committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives.
About You
- Recent experience of advising on Universal Credit and legacy benefits
- Understanding of Housing Law and rent collection
- Ability to interpret complex information and convey it to tenants in an understandable way
- Effective written and oral communication skills across telephone, face-to-face and written channels
- Ability to make accurate and timely decisions in pressurised situations, acting tactfully and with sensitivity and courtesy at all times
- Effective organisational skills, using initiative to prioritise workload and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and on time
- Active team member, supporting colleagues collaboratively and promoting best practice across the team
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays with the ability to buy additional leave annually
- Access to a generous, defined benefit pension scheme offering 17.9%
- Smart Working opportunities
- Health and wellbeing benefits, including access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres, cinema, shopping and more
We are supportive of flexible working arrangements wherever possible and encourage applicants to discuss this with us during the selection process if they are interested.
Rent Support Officer NCCHS employer: ESPO Trading Limited
Nottingham City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, competitive salaries, and generous benefits such as extensive leave entitlements and a robust pension scheme, we foster a supportive work culture that empowers our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community. Our hybrid working model and focus on employee growth opportunities ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the vital work of supporting tenants in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rent Support Officer NCCHS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Nottingham City Council. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to rent support and welfare benefits. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, especially in areas like financial wellbeing or tenancy support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Nottingham City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Rent Support Officer NCCHS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Rent Support Officer. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. We love seeing candidates who can break down tricky topics into understandable bits!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got experience with Universal Credit or housing law, shout about it! We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of these areas, so make sure to include any relevant examples in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESPO Trading Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Universal Credit and legacy benefits. Familiarise yourself with the latest changes in housing law and rent collection practices. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Rent Support Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've helped individuals navigate financial difficulties or complex situations. Highlight your ability to communicate complex information clearly and sensitively.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with colleagues and external partners. Be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team before. Share specific instances where you supported your teammates or contributed to best practices within a group setting.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the challenges the team currently faces or how success is measured in this role.
