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- Tasks: Assist in recovering leasehold service charges and managing debt for the Home Ownership Team.
- Company: Join Harlow District Council, a thriving community with excellent transport links and amenities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a customer-focused team dedicated to providing top-notch housing services.
- Qualifications: A driving license and access to transport are essential; experience in customer service is a plus.
- Other info: This is a temporary role for up to 6 months, with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 35600 - 36800 £ per year.
Overview
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Harlow Council to recruit a Home Ownership Recovery Officer on a full-time, temporary contract of up to 6 months.
Location: Harlow
Full-time, Temporary
Up to 6 months
Up to £22 per hour
Closing Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Please note that due to the nature of this role, you will be required to work on-site, 3 days per week increasing to 4 days in January 2026.
Job purpose
The post holder will work within the Home Ownership Team. They will be responsible for all undisputed or undefended leasehold service charge recovery including debt management duties and managing Council loans to leaseholders in accordance with the Council’s policies and working practices, delivering a first class housing service that is value for money and customer focused.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Senior Recovery Officer in a wide range of tasks including the collection of service charges for both annual charges and major works, recovery of unpaid annual service charges and major works, and the administration of service charge loans.
- Be available to work or attend meetings outside of normal working hours. A driving licence and access to a car or other satisfactory means of transport is required.
- Be responsible for all aspects of leasehold service charge recovery and the commencement of legal action for undisputed service charge debt, including annual service charges and major works debt recovery.
- Be the principal point of contact for leaseholders on debt-related issues and provide support to sustain tenancies.
- Issue invoices, demands for payment and direct debits in line with statutes and council policies; investigate and commence action for lease breaches (non-payment of ground rent and service charges) in line with current policies and housing law.
- Discuss unusual, complex or sensitive cases with the Senior Recovery Officer and ensure vulnerable leaseholders have access to support.
- Adopt the council’s “can’t pay won’t pay” approach, and support leaseholders who cannot pay while dealing with those who choose not to pay.
- Liaise with Home Ownership Team staff, Property Surveyors and other service providers to resolve disputes regarding non-payment due to service delivery issues.
- Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date, clear notes and documentation on individual cases; keep electronic records updated and compliant with GDPR; maintain required statistical information.
- Refer appropriate cases for instruction to the council’s legal team for further action on defended claims.
What You Should Do Next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please apply via the Working for Essex website. For queries relating to this post please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk
Job details
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Government Administration
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Home Ownership Recovery Officer – Harlow District Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Home Ownership Recovery Officer – Harlow District Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Home Ownership Recovery Officer. Understanding the nuances of leasehold service charge recovery and debt management will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector, especially those who have experience in leasehold management or debt recovery. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about scenarios where you've successfully managed customer relationships or resolved disputes. Highlighting your problem-solving skills will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Harlow District Council's policies and values, particularly their approach to customer care and support for vulnerable leaseholders. Aligning your answers with their ethos during the interview can set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Home Ownership Recovery Officer – Harlow District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Home Ownership Recovery Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your experience in debt management, customer service, and any relevant legal knowledge. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your capability in similar roles.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the Council's commitment to customer care. Highlight specific examples from your past work that showcase your ability to handle leasehold service charge recovery and support vulnerable leaseholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Home Ownership Recovery Officer. Familiarise yourself with leasehold service charge recovery, debt management, and the Council's policies. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role focuses on high-quality customer care, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer service. Highlight any situations where you successfully resolved issues or supported clients, especially in challenging circumstances.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex cases. Think of examples from your past work where you had to investigate issues, manage disputes, or support vulnerable individuals.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've worked with others to achieve common goals, particularly in a busy environment like the Homeownership Team.