At a Glance
- Tasks: Collect rent and support tenants in managing their tenancies with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join Richmond and Wandsworth Council's Better Service Partnership for a rewarding career.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in debt recovery and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35391 - 45564 β¬ per year.
Job Title: REVENUE SERVICES COLLECTION OFFICER
Salary Range: Β£35,391 - Β£45,564 per annum
Permanent - Full Time (36 hours)
Location: Wandsworth Town Hall
We have a vacancy in our Rent Collection Service and are looking for a capable and ambitious individual to join Richmond and Wandsworth Council\'s Better Service Partnership. You will be a team player, articulate and organised and help play a central role in achieving positive outcomes for our tenants.
You will be responsible for collecting rent from all tenants of residential and non-residential properties such as garages and store sheds. Rent Collection Service is a customer facing role and we are a first point of contact for our tenants who primarily contact us via telephone therefore, excellent telephone manner is essential.
About the role
- Patch management: You will manage your rent patch and assist tenants in sustaining their tenancies by being a dedicated point of contact. You will provide advice and support with rent arrears, benefit advice, signpost tenants to relevant in house and external support agencies, arrange suitable affordable repayments for rent arrears whilst considering tenants vulnerabilities.
- Rent arrears work and decision making: You will be responsible for the preparation and hand delivery of Notices Seeking Possession and Notices to Quit on arrears cases. You will advise tenants as to the implications of further arrears action such as possession proceedings and eviction and prepare Court Referrals where eviction action is unavoidable ensuring tenants\' vulnerabilities have been considered.
- Empathetic and good listener: You will be emotionally intelligent and confident to work with people facing difficult circumstances by being a good listener and able to apply what you hear to the legal framework in which we work. Effective telephone communication is a vital aspect of this role. You will be expected to respond promptly and professionally to incoming calls from tenants, some of whom may be experiencing distress or frustration. As such, a calm, empathetic, and confident telephone manner is essential. You should be able to manage challenging conversations with sensitivity while maintaining control of your workload and ensuring high standards of customer service.
- Organisation and communication: You will be organised in your work, able to write detailed case notes and complete accurate referrals to a high standard including discussing complex cases with other professionals, explaining different rent arrears options. You will be able to keep on top of changing priorities.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- A thorough working knowledge of debt recovery procedures in a Social Housing environment.
- Good knowledge of services, benefits and support available to applicants experiencing rent arrears and other debt issues.
- Experience of effective communication with tenants by phone, email, letters and in person with a sensitive approach to identified vulnerabilities.
- Experience of effective record keeping, including electronically held information.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to wite detailed case notes and letters.
- Ability to work unsupervised, prioritise workloads and achieve targets and deadlines.
- Highly motivated with a clear commitment to delivering a high-quality service.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Sunday 09th November 2025
- Shortlisting Date: W/C 10th November 2025
- Interview Date: W/C 17th November 2025 (In person at Wandsworth Town Hall)
- We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sanela Cox by email sanela.cox@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Useful Information
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer; if you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Revenue Services Collection Officer employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Richmond and Wandsworth Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, employees benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension plan, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through their roles. Located at Wandsworth Town Hall, the Council fosters a collaborative environment where team members can thrive and contribute to positive outcomes for tenants.
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Revenue Services Collection Officer
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Richmond and Wandsworth Council, their values, and the Rent Collection Service. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice your telephone skills! Since this role requires excellent communication over the phone, try role-playing with a friend or family member. Focus on being calm, empathetic, and clear in your responses to simulate real-life scenarios.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd handle challenging conversations with tenants. Be ready to discuss your strategies for managing sensitive situations while maintaining professionalism and control.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about landing the job with us at Richmond and Wandsworth Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Revenue Services Collection Officer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Revenue Services Collection Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and help tenants effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with tenants, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and donβt forget to mention any relevant experience you have in handling sensitive conversations.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Being organised is key in this role, so make sure to mention any experience you have in managing workloads or keeping detailed records. We love to see examples of how you've successfully juggled multiple tasks in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on debt recovery procedures in a social housing environment. Familiarise yourself with the services and benefits available to tenants facing rent arrears. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your commitment to the role.
β¨Practice Your Phone Skills
Since this role involves a lot of telephone communication, practice your phone manner. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to simulate challenging conversations. Focus on being calm, empathetic, and professional, as these qualities are essential for managing sensitive situations.
β¨Organise Your Thoughts
Before the interview, prepare detailed notes about your experiences related to case management and communication. Think of specific examples where you've successfully handled difficult conversations or managed workloads effectively. This will help you articulate your skills clearly during the interview.
β¨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your ability to listen and respond to tenants' vulnerabilities. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in distressing situations. Demonstrating emotional intelligence will resonate well with the interviewers, as it's a key aspect of the role.