Specialist Housing Income Recovery Officer

Overview

23 Month contract.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, empathetic, passionate, organised and team-oriented individual who enjoys a challenge. Working in the income team is not just about collecting rent but about trying to make a difference to the people’s lives we work with and strengthen communities. We value our staff and the difference that they make to our customers.

Our Housing and Communities Teams are passionate about the people who live in Reading; our vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to live in a good quality sustainable home within in a lively and thriving neighbourhood. We have a great track record in building strategic partnerships, successfully bidding for Government funding, major project delivery.

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

As a front facing customer focused role, this position is office based, covering duties such as tenancy sign-ups, court hearings, evictions and meeting with customers in the civic reception. You will also carry out visits in our residents’ homes, making this a very varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

You will need be creative in your approach to support customers and ensure optimal income collection. You\\\’ll also carry out a range of tasks including looking at dedicated accounts and really getting to know your tenants, providing expert welfare benefit and income maximisation advice, assisting in preparing applications for court, organising and attending case conferences and court hearings. You need to have an eye for detail and will want to do the best by our residents in supporting them to sustain their tenancies.

About you

The following experience is required for this role:

• Experience in income management or debt recovery/collection up to court applications (preferably in a social housing environment although this is not essential) or a similar environment
• Ability to show an understanding of the recovery process
• Ability to understand the challenges of recovery
• Excellent customer service skills
• A working knowledge of welfare benefits or an ability to learn, understand and give advice on welfare benefits.
• To be a self-starter with a proactive approach and possess the ability to work without close supervision
• To have effective decision-making skills, a diplomatic and confidential approach and the ability to prioritise a busy workload.
• Preferable to have a full driving licence

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 working withing our Team Reading values to ensure you are part of making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our values and behaviour

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

We 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 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
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• 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 – to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & 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

For more information on this position please contact Claire Woodhouse, Housing Income Recovery Team Leader Claire.woodhouse@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Process: Question Based