At a Glance
- Tasks: Help recover debts and support customers in need while ensuring excellent service.
- Company: Join Gloucester City Council's dynamic Revenues and Benefits Team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: A great chance to develop skills in a fast-paced, rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by helping vulnerable residents manage their finances.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt collection and local authority revenues is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our busy Revenues and Benefits Team as a Recovery Officer at Gloucester City Council. The successful candidate will be a committed team player who can work on their own initiative to complete tasks and achieve targets.
Responsibilities:
- Decide and implement the most effective options to recover outstanding debts, including referral to enforcement agents, attachment to earnings, deduction from benefits, issuing pre‑commitment and pre‑bankruptcy letters, or County Court action.
- Support vulnerable customers, encourage the take‑up of available benefits and discounts, negotiate debt repayment plans, and apply discretion where necessary.
- Monitor customer accounts to ensure payments are received and take action to progress recovery as appropriate.
- Assist with the preparation of cases for court.
- Deliver excellent customer service when dealing with customers and stakeholders, providing explanations and clarification of decisions and actions taken in relation to legislation, policy and procedures.
- Signpost residents to additional or alternative support where it is outside the remit of the Revenues and Benefits service area.
- Issue housing benefit overpayment invoices, monitor arrangements with debtors and take appropriate action to recover unpaid debts.
- Answer and deal with telephone enquiries from customers.
Qualifications:
- Experience with local authority revenues administration and debt collection.
- Experience in council tax and/or business rates.
- Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Good communication skills, able to convey information to customers with tact and discretion, including fluent spoken English.
- Organised, methodical, with good attention to detail and strong written skills.
- Experience of coping well under pressure and dealing with difficult situations.
- Teamworking ability.
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 4/C or above including English and Maths.
- Fluency in spoken English, as required by the Immigration Act 2016 for customer‑facing roles.
- Commitment to confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
Recovery Officer in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucester City Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee development and community impact. As a Recovery Officer, you will be part of a supportive team dedicated to helping vulnerable residents while enjoying a work culture that values collaboration and initiative. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service, working here means making a meaningful difference in the lives of others in a vibrant city.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer in Gloucester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Gloucestershire County Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Gloucestershire County Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Gloucestershire County Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Gloucestershire County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Gloucestershire County Council.
