At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to collect debts and help residents in need.
- Company: Durham County Council, dedicated to community support and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible applicants and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or relevant experience in Finance or Customer Service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
You will be joining a supportive and enthusiastic team responsible for collecting monies owed to Durham County Council. In this role, you will play a crucial part in helping customers in arrears by implementing effective collection strategies that achieve positive outcomes, minimise debt, and provide the best possible support to our residents.
Responsibilities
- Communicate with customers by telephone, letter, and email while maintaining accurate and detailed records of every interaction.
- Learn and apply relevant legislation and processes using the Council's Debt Management Policy and procedures to provide advice, guidance, and support.
- Explain recovery processes and signpost customers to appropriate assistance where needed.
- Handle calls from a wide range of customers, delivering excellent advice and customer service.
- Confidently manage requests, negotiate payment arrangements, and respond in a mature and courteous manner, even in challenging situations.
- Receive full training, support, and mentoring from managers and colleagues.
Qualifications
- Hold an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification, or have relevant experience working in a Finance, Customer Service, or similar environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with residents in a professional and supportive way.
- Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage and prioritise workloads effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Confidence working as part of a team, adaptability to change, and ability to meet deadlines while handling competing demands.
- Clear, confident, and empathetic telephone manner, with the ability to explain complex information simply.
- Strong organisational, numerical, and time‑management skills.
- Ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
- Willingness to apply for a Basic Disclosure check.
We have two permanent vacancies available: one full‑time 37 hours and one part‑time 23 hours. We also operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet all essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, care leaver, or a veteran.
Benefits and Offer
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years of continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
Debtors and Collection Officers in Spennymoor employer: Instagram
Durham County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and enthusiastic work environment for Debtors and Collection Officers. With a focus on employee growth, you will receive comprehensive training and mentoring while enjoying a competitive rewards package that includes generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements. Join us in making a positive impact on our community while benefiting from a strong commitment to your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Debtors and Collection Officers in Spennymoor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Durham County Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with customers, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd handle challenging situations with customers. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about landing the job with us at Durham County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Debtors and Collection Officers in Spennymoor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Debtors and Collection Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance or customer service, and show how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers, emphasise your excellent interpersonal skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenging conversations or provided outstanding customer support.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this position. When writing your application, ensure that there are no typos or errors. This shows that you can manage and prioritise workloads effectively, which is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the information about the role and benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instagram
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Debtors and Collection Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Council's Debt Management Policy and relevant legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of communication with customers, practice explaining complex information in simple terms. You might want to role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with handling challenging conversations while maintaining a professional and empathetic tone.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your workload and prioritise tasks. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you successfully handled multiple demands. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment, just like the one you'll be working in.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role.
