At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage leaseholder accounts and support customers with financial difficulties.
- Company: North Yorkshire Council, dedicated to housing and community services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £17.85 per hour and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social housing and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 17.85 - 17.85 £ per hour.
Temporary Contract
Client: North Yorkshire Council
Service Area: Housing / Income Services
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 06 July 2026
End Date: 12 October 2026
Assignment Length: 3 months initially, with a view to extend
Working Pattern: Hybrid working. Office attendance required 2-3 days per week initially.
Location: Client location: District Council Office, Rotary Way, Northallerton, DL6 2UU. Richmond, Harrogate or Selby office can be used as the base.
Pay: £17.85 per hour
Job Overview: North Yorkshire Council is seeking an experienced Leasehold Officer / Service Charge Officer to support the Housing Income Services team. The role will focus on the management of leaseholder accounts, service charges, shared ownership charges, income collection and arrears recovery. The successful candidate will manage a caseload of leasehold accounts, support customers in financial difficulty, negotiate payment plans, maximise income collection and take appropriate recovery action where required.
This role requires strong experience in social housing, leasehold or service charge account management, housing arrears recovery, customer contact, financial hardship support and working with vulnerable customers.
Important - Please Read Carefully
This is a specialist leasehold, service charge and housing income recovery role. Candidates must have experience of housing management within a social housing environment, debt recovery, housing arrears or leasehold/service charge account management. Candidates without social housing, leasehold, service charge, arrears recovery or housing income experience are unlikely to be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of leasehold accounts
- Manage service charges and shared ownership charges
- Carry out account management and income collection activity
- Undertake arrears intervention and preventative action
- Maintain accurate customer account records and case notes
- Negotiate realistic payment plans
- Identify welfare benefit, Housing Benefit, DHP and Council Tax reduction entitlements
- Support customers with Universal Credit and Housing Benefit issues
- Enforce payment of housing charges where lease terms have been breached
- Progress cases through legal processes where required
- Serve notices and court documentation where required
- Submit unpaid housing charge and debt recovery cases to County Court
- Take electronic payments and handle payment information securely
- Set up and amend direct debit instructions
- Recover recharged repairs, support charge accounts and former debts
- Liaise with Homeless Prevention, Housing Management and external agencies
- Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR and information governance requirements
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience of housing management within a social housing environment
- Experience of leaseholder account management, service charges or housing income management
- Experience of debt recovery, housing arrears recovery or enforcement
- Experience working with vulnerable customers in financial hardship
- Experience delivering customer-focused services
- Awareness of housing legislation and landlord responsibilities
- Understanding of leaseholder obligations
- Experience working with other agencies
- Awareness of Information Governance and Data Protection principles
- Safeguarding awareness
- Strong numeracy, English and computer literacy skills
- Ability to explain policies and procedures clearly
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Qualifications
- Essential: Educated to GCSE level standard or equivalent, with minimum Grade C or equivalent in Maths and English.
- Desirable: Housing-related qualification, such as NVQ Level 3 or above
- Working knowledge of welfare benefits
- Mediation or conflict management experience
- Experience using CX, NEC Housing or other housing management software
- Understanding of court protocol and court attendance
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use
Additional Information
The role is office based with hybrid working arrangements available. Candidates must be able to attend the office 2-3 days per week initially. Richmond, Harrogate or Selby office can be used as the base.
Disclaimer
On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
Leasehold Officer / Service Charge Officer in Northallerton employer: Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
North Yorkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on hybrid working arrangements, employees enjoy flexibility while contributing to meaningful community services in a picturesque location. The council provides opportunities for skill development in social housing management, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about helping vulnerable customers and enhancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Leasehold Officer / Service Charge Officer in Northallerton
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Leasehold Officer / Service Charge Officer in Northallerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fix Space Recruitment Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Fix Space Recruitment Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Fix Space Recruitment Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
