Property Visiting Officer in Thatcham

We have an exciting opportunity for a Property Visiting Officer to join us! This is a full-time, permanent role with some hybrid working, and a salary of £26,895- £30,132 per annum.

About us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority – takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

The role: To provide a full inspection service for Council Tax and Non Domestic Rates to ensure the property base is up to date so that accurate and timely billing and collection is enabled.

Your role will involve:

• Develop and implement a programme of work to visit all new and unoccupied properties at regular intervals in the year to ensure correct inclusion in the billing list.
• Liaise with the appropriate parties to establish completion dates relevant to inclusion on the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) billing list.
• Issue information to the VOA on newly completed properties and amendments to existing property as well as those properties which should be removed from the list.
• Obtain information relating to occupation of properties, including personal information relevant to discounts, reliefs and exemptions as appropriate.
• Liaise on a daily basis with the Building Control and Planning departments to ensure that new build, alterations and extensions within the borough are logged and included in the programme of visits.
• Make amendments to the Revenues systems and submit reports to the VOA.
• Visit all applicants for Disability reductions to verify that qualifying conditions for band reductions are satisfied.

What we are looking for:

• Experience of using data entry computer systems.
• Legislation knowledge of Revenues and Benefits.
• Ability to negotiate with customers who express difficulty or unwillingness to pay their council tax.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely (orally and in writing).
• Ability to handle sensitive, difficult situations considerately.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including some hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Dhak – Revenues and Benefits Controls Team Leader on inderpal.dhak@rbwm.gov.uk.