At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Recovery Team to collect outstanding payments and negotiate with customers.
- Company: Castle Point Borough Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt recovery or collections is preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and support for disabled applicants.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 29000 £ per year.
Recovery Officer – Castle Point Borough Council
Essex County Council are advertising the role of Recovery Officer on behalf of Castle Point Borough Council. To see the full job advert and apply, please click HERE.
Location and Employment Details
Location: Castle Point Council Offices, Kiln Road
Salary: Grade 5 SCP 17-21 £30,060 to £32,115 per annum
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Number of Positions: 4
DBS Check: Enhanced
Contract: Permanent, full time
Hybrid (1 day per week in the office)
Salary (alternative): SCP 17-21 (£31,022 to £33,143 per annum)
About the Role
Join our Recovery Team collecting outstanding Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Rents and other income owed to the Council. You will work with negotiating payment from customers, maintaining accurate records, and deciding appropriate recovery actions. Excellent communication skills are required to liaise with the public, other Council departments, Enforcement Agents and advice agencies.
Experience of a Revenues IT system is desirable but not essential.
Accountabilities
- To assist with the administration of systems, reports and a wide range of recovery methods, including reminders, Final notices, Summonses, 14-day notices, enforcement, and insolvency.
- Assessing customers’ income/expenditure, making special payment arrangements at all stages of recovery, and liaising with other stakeholders such as Peabody and CAB.
- Responding to enquiries by letter, email, and in person, with a preference for digital communications where available.
- Instigating and reviewing Attachment of Earnings Orders and deductions from DWP benefits, ensuring payments are received and allocated correctly.
- Providing support before and at Court, preparing paperwork, dealing with customer queries and making payment arrangements.
- Tracing absconded customers, using internal and third-party systems.
- Identifying irrecoverable debts, undertaking relevant checks, and preparing documentation to recommend write-off.
- Through training and mentoring, gaining knowledge of procedures, legislation and case-law relating to debt recovery and enforcement.
- Ensuring accurate case selection for Enforcement, liaising with Enforcement Agents, and updating revenues systems.
- Checking and actioning monthly recovery reports to maximise collections.
To be successful in this role you must
- Have recent experience and knowledge in a debt recovery or collections environment in the public or private sector
- Have experience of Microsoft Office and a revenues or collections system
- Have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to support and negotiate with customers and stakeholders in a calm and sensitive way
- Demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s needs
Castle Point Borough Council is proud to be a disability confident Leader. We’re committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the role, and to interviewing all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
Castle Point Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
When completing the statement of suitability, refer to the full job description and how you meet each criterion. Attach an up-to-date CV with your application.
How to apply
This role is being advertised on behalf of Castle Point Borough Council; all applications must be submitted via the Castle Point Borough Council website. Applications submitted via the Working for Essex ‘apply’ button should reapply via the Castle Point Borough Council website.
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Recovery Officer – Castle Point Borough Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer – Castle Point Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Recovery Officer, especially around debt recovery and customer negotiation. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills match what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Castle Point Borough Council on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips on the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to debt recovery and customer service. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the Castle Point Borough Council website! It’s the only way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and following their process.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer – Castle Point Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help us understand what Castle Point Borough Council is looking for and how you can tailor your application to match their needs.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: This is your chance to shine! Make sure to address each criterion in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. We want to see your skills in action!
Keep Your CV Updated: Attach an up-to-date CV with your application. Highlight relevant experience, especially in debt recovery or collections, as this will catch the eye of the hiring team. Remember, first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Castle Point Borough Council website. It’s the only way to ensure your application gets seen. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Recovery Officer. Familiarise yourself with debt recovery processes, relevant legislation, and the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers or stakeholders in the past. Think about situations where you had to negotiate or resolve conflicts, and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to debt recovery, such as how you would approach a customer who is struggling to pay their debts. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and empathy.
✨Prepare Your Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or the council's approach to debt recovery. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.