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- Tasks: Join our team to manage council tax recovery and enforcement for Swindon and North Somerset.
- Company: Dynamic local authority with a focus on community support and recovery services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills in debt recovery.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt recovery and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with monthly court sessions and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have a vacancy for a recovery officer who would join our Debt Recovery Tower in our Recovery team dealing with Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council. You will be working with colleagues to provide a recovery and enforcement service for council tax, initially and primarily for Swindon Borough Council, but also to support colleagues working on council tax recovery and enforcement for North Somerset Council as needed. This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone used to a fast-paced environment, with experience in debt recovery and committed to delivering a high-quality service. The role is a hybrid role; although the majority of your time will be spent working from home, there is a requirement to attend monthly Magistrates’ Court sessions in Swindon.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
- Attending Swindon Magistrates Court monthly to secure liability orders against unpaid council tax arrears.
- Agree and monitor payment arrangements with debtors.
- Set and monitor deductions from earnings and benefits, liaising with employers and DWP (where appropriate).
- Escalating debts to enforcement agencies.
- Updating relevant third parties with details of any liability changes affecting the value of outstanding debt to be recovered (including updating enforcement agencies with details of direct payments).
- Responding to customer queries and complaints relating to enforcement actions and activity by telephone, letter and email.
- Where appropriate, preparing cases for higher end recovery (including but not limited to charging orders and committal to prison).
Essential Skills and Attributes:
- Debt recovery: prior experience of debt recovery is essential (prior experience of council tax recovery is desirable but not essential).
- Fluent English: proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- IT Skills: competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (prior experience of existing council tax systems – NEC and NDMS – is desirable but not essential).
- Telephony Skills: proven ability to communicate effectively, especially with challenging or vulnerable customers.
- Self-Management/Motivation: ability to work towards targets by prioritisation and planning, and to display professionalism and confidence in all interactions.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: the ability to adjust/adapt to an often rapidly changing work environment.
- Team Collaboration: working as part of a team is a core element of the position, with the willingness to assist other team members as needed.
Security vetting and checks:
All successful candidates must meet the government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). External candidates: This includes a basic criminal record check (for unspent convictions) and an annual adverse finance check (for CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcies, Scottish decrees, or Administration Orders). Internal candidates: An annual adverse finance check will be required. If you do not meet these requirements, your offer may be withdrawn.
Recovery Officer in Swindon employer: Liberata
Contact Detail:
Liberata Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Officer in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the debt recovery field, especially those who have experience with council tax. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those court sessions! Brush up on your knowledge of liability orders and enforcement processes. Being well-prepared will not only boost your confidence but also show potential employers that you mean business.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! Practice how you’d handle challenging customer queries. Role-playing scenarios with a friend can help you articulate your responses clearly and professionally.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to join our Recovery team. Your next opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Officer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in debt recovery, especially if you've worked with council tax before. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Recovery Officer role. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your commitment to delivering high-quality service – we love that!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be dealing with customers and colleagues alike, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, highlight any experience you have in managing customer queries or complaints effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Liberata
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on debt recovery processes, especially council tax recovery. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of the role, like attending court sessions and liaising with enforcement agencies. This will show that you're serious about the position and understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be dealing with challenging customers, practice how you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult conversations in the past, as this will demonstrate your telephony skills and ability to manage sensitive situations.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
This role requires collaboration, so think of times when you've worked effectively in a team. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve supported colleagues or adapted to changes in a fast-paced environment. Highlighting your flexibility and adaptability will make you stand out.
✨Prepare for the Practical Side
Since the job involves using IT systems like Microsoft Word and Excel, be ready to discuss your proficiency with these tools. If you have experience with council tax systems, even better! Bring up any relevant projects where you used these skills to solve problems or improve processes.