At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to recover Adult Social Care debt and benefit overpayments efficiently.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to supporting its residents.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension contributions, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt recovery and strong people management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead a new specialist team within our Income Collection Service. You will play a pivotal role in developing and managing the recovery of Adult Social Care debt and benefit overpayments, helping to maximise income collection while delivering a fair and customer-focused service.
As an Income Collection Manager, you will lead, motivate and inspire your team in the efficient management and recovery of Adult Social Care (ASC) debt and Housing Benefit overpayments. You will ensure the effective contract management of debt enforcement partners, driving improved service outcomes and delivering performance. You will play a key role in developing a technology-driven, efficient recovery function that maximises income collection while supporting Leicester City residents who are receiving Adult Social Care services and maintaining compliance with relevant legislation and council policies.
You will be based at the Town Hall, staff are currently working in a hybrid arrangement that includes home and office working, with one team day in the office and participation in an office-working rota, averaging four extra office days per month.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing a team of 6 staff, you will lead the end-to-end recovery process for Adult Social Care charges and benefit overpayment debt, ensuring effective and timely collection of outstanding balances.
- You will supervise, support and develop your team to maximise recovery performance while delivering excellent customer service.
- Working in partnership with Social Care professionals and Financial Assessment teams, you will help deliver a joined-up approach to supporting residents while ensuring the effective recovery of Adult Social Care debt.
- You will oversee the management of debt enforcement agents and other recovery partners, ensuring contractual compliance, value for money and effective recovery outcomes.
- You will be responsible for pre-legal recovery activity and support legal recovery processes, balancing income maximisation with the needs of vulnerable customers.
- The role requires you to identify and implement process improvements that increase recovery efficiency, reduce aged debt and improve the customer experience.
- You will produce, analyse and interpret collection performance data.
- You will also personally oversee complex, sensitive and high‑value cases, responding to customer enquiries, complaints, elected member enquiries and correspondence from representatives and external agencies.
What You'll Need
- You will have significant experience managing the recovery of sundry debts with good understanding of Adult Social Care debt, benefit overpayments, or other public sector debt portfolios, with a strong understanding of debt recovery legislation, enforcement processes and regulatory compliance requirements.
- With excellent communication skills, you will be confident in conveying complex and sensitive information to customers, colleagues, elected members, enforcement partners and stakeholders.
- You will be an experienced people manager with a proven ability to motivate teams, drive performance and create an inclusive environment where staff can perform at their best.
- You will have a track record of working in challenging environments, be able to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.
- Experience of supporting vulnerable customers while balancing recovery objectives will be highly advantageous.
- With a forward‑thinking approach, you will embrace new technologies and data‑driven solutions to deliver an efficient, customer‑focused recovery service that maximises collection of ASC debt and benefit overpayments while supporting the council’s financial objectives.
Due to access to sensitive information this post requires a DBS check.
If you would like more information on this role please contact Emma Hartley, Corporate Income, Assessment & Payments Manager on 0116 454 4616 or by email: emma.hartley@leicester.gov.uk.
Interviews / Assessments will take place on week commencing 24th of August.
Region: Central Location: Town Hall Salary: GBP 39,152- GBP 41,771 Per Year Package: Total benefit value (includes pension contribution and full holiday entitlement): GBP 56,957.66 Contractual hours: 37 Basis: Full time, Full Time / 37 Hours Per Week / Permanent Operational Income Collection Manager – Adult Social Care Debt & Benefits Overpayment Recovery
Operational Income Collection Manager in Leicester employer: Leicester City Council
Leicester City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Trainee Accountant, you will benefit from a structured training programme, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on real projects while enjoying flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave. With a clear pathway to a permanent qualified accountant role, this position not only provides valuable experience but also fosters ambition and leadership in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Income Collection Manager in Leicester
✨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 Leicester City 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 Leicester City 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 Operational Income Collection Manager in Leicester
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 Leicester City 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 Leicester City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Leicester City 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 Leicester City Council.
