At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in managing rent and housing-related debts while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join Hastings Borough Council's dedicated Housing team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Empathetic individuals with a passion for community support will thrive here.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them stay in their homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting residents, reducing arrears, and helping people stay and succeed in their accommodation? We are looking for a motivated and person-focused Income Recovery Officer to join our Housing team at Hastings Borough Council.
As an Income Recovery Officer, you'll play a vital role helping our residents manage their rent, service charges, and other housing-related debts such as loans and storage costs. Your knowledge of IT and organisational abilities will assist you to monitor accounts and take prompt action in line with council policies.
You will contact residents with confidence by phone, email and letter. Empathy and strong negotiating skills are required to set up arrangements to reduce arrears. Excellent customer service and persuasion are needed to co‑ordinate support to residents from internal teams and support services outside of the Council.
You will have experience of delivering a customer‑focused service, either supporting clients to access services or advocating on their behalf. Experience of recovering income, especially rent arrears, is desirable.
Income Recovery Officer in Hastings employer: Hastings Borough Council
Hastings Borough Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As an Income Recovery Officer, you will benefit from a strong emphasis on employee development, with opportunities for training and career progression within the council. Our collaborative culture prioritises the well-being of both staff and residents, making it a rewarding place to work where your contributions directly impact the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income Recovery Officer in Hastings
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Hastings Borough Council. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Income Recovery Officer, you'll need to be confident when speaking with residents. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to get comfortable with negotiating and providing support.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your empathy! During interviews, share examples of how you've helped clients in the past. Highlight your ability to listen and understand their needs, as this is crucial for building trust and rapport with residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and makes it easier for us to keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Income Recovery Officer in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for supporting residents in your application. We want to see how you can help reduce arrears and make a difference in people's lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment.
Highlight Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your IT and organisational skills! We’re looking for someone who can monitor accounts effectively, so mention any tools or systems you’ve used in the past that demonstrate your ability to stay organised.
Emphasise Empathy and Negotiation:Since this role involves a lot of communication with residents, it’s crucial to highlight your empathy and negotiation skills. Share examples of how you've successfully helped clients in difficult situations, as this will show us you can handle sensitive conversations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Income Recovery Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with housing policies, rent recovery processes, and the specific challenges residents face. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for supporting residents.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to empathise with residents. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported clients or negotiated solutions. This will highlight your person-focused approach and your understanding of the importance of building trust.
✨Brush Up on Communication Skills
Since you'll be contacting residents via phone, email, and letter, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations and negotiate payment arrangements, showcasing your strong communication skills.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As an Income Recovery Officer, you'll need to manage multiple accounts and monitor payments. Be ready to talk about your organisational abilities and any tools or methods you use to stay on top of tasks. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role effectively.
