At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recovery of housing debts and help residents manage their finances.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preventing homelessness and supporting your community.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills and a proactive approach are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a proactive and resilient Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer to join our Tenant Services team. This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll support the recovery of housing-related debts including former tenant arrears, recharges and emergency accommodation charges. You’ll play a key role in preventing homelessness, supporting residents to manage their finances and ensuring the Council’s income is protected. Working closely with internal teams and external agencies, you’ll deliver a balanced approach that combines support, advice and enforcement.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role:
- Manage a diverse caseload of current and former tenant debt, providing both support and recovery action.
- Identify and recover housing-related debts including former tenant arrears, rechargeable repairs and service charges.
- Trace former tenants and take appropriate recovery action in line with legislation and council procedures.
- Negotiate and monitor repayment plans, offering realistic and sustainable arrangements.
- Assist new RBC tenants by signing them up to emergency accommodation.
- Investigate account queries, liaising with internal departments and external agencies to resolve issues efficiently.
- Carry out tenancy sign-ups, explaining financial responsibilities and agreeing repayment arrangements where required.
- Contact customers through a range of channels (phone, email, visits) to address arrears and prevent escalation.
- Use systems and data (including credit referencing tools) to locate debtors and maintain accurate records.
- Work collaboratively with housing teams, benefits services and partners such as DWP and advice agencies.
- Ensure all work is completed in line with policy, legislation and customer service standards.
About you:
- Confident, customer-focused and able to handle challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.
- Experience in income recovery, housing, or a customer-facing role dealing with arrears or debt management (desirable but not essential).
- A basic understanding of arrears recovery processes and relevant legislation, or the ability to learn quickly.
- Experience working with customers in sometimes difficult or sensitive situations.
- Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to agree achievable repayment arrangements.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Confidence using IT systems, including databases and spreadsheets.
- A proactive and solution-focused approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A strong commitment to customer service, equality and supporting diverse communities.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer:
- A supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across.
- Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Kenneth.Martin@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Reading Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a supportive environment where innovation and ambition are encouraged. With a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working opportunities, employees can thrive in a modern workplace located in the heart of Reading. The Council's commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with its focus on making a positive impact in the community, makes it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Reading Borough Council's values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves discussing repayment plans, think of scenarios where you might need to negotiate with a tenant. Role-playing these situations can boost your confidence and prepare you for real-life conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Highlight your empathy and problem-solving abilities, as these are key in supporting residents effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role involves working closely with residents, emphasise your customer service experience. Share examples of how you've handled challenging situations with empathy and professionalism, as this is key to our team culture.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your communication is easy to understand. This reflects the excellent communication skills we value in our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Housing Debtor Income Recovery Officer. Familiarise yourself with housing-related debts, recovery processes, and relevant legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed debt recovery or provided excellent customer service, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, listen carefully to the questions being asked. This will not only help you provide better answers but also demonstrate your communication skills. If you’re unsure about a question, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification – it shows you’re engaged and keen to provide the right response.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves working closely with various teams and external agencies, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to work as part of a team while also being proactive and solution-focused. This balance is crucial for success in the position.
