At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage income and debt recovery while providing support to customers in need.
- Company: Join Sandwell MBC's Income Management Team focused on excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on customer care and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people manage their finances and secure their homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in rent arrears recovery and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Income Management Team within the Place Directorate at Sandwell MBC as we continue to invest in the service to ensure it meets our customer’s expectations. We are committed to providing an excellent customer journey with a clear emphasis on prevention, early help, and support.
You will have responsibility for undertaking all aspects of income and debt recovery for your allocated area of work, this will include providing initial advice on housing benefit/universal credit housing costs and implementing practical measures to mitigate the impact of Welfare Reform, ensuring that all avenues are utilised to secure an outstanding debt, for example applying for third party deductions, managed payments and discretionary housing payments.
The Income Management Team is responsible for managing, monitoring, and recovering arrears of rent and other housing related charges from current and former tenants. A key objective is to combine the effective recovery of arrears with tenancy sustainment through the provision of quality advice, assistance and support to those in need. You will be a key player in ensuring that prompt and effective action is taken to control and recover rent arrears and in maximising income collection.
You Will Be Expected To Have:
- Literacy and Numeracy level 2 or equivalent (or willing to obtain numeracy within 12 months)
- A minimum of 2 years' experience of working in a rent arrears recovering or similar income collection environment
- Proven experience of managing an arrears/debt caseload/patch
- Comprehensive knowledge of arrears management procedures and processes, including the legal framework for the recovery of housing related debt and good practice.
- Ability to effectively communicate at all levels through an approachable manner, including with customers, stakeholders, and team members
- Ability to ‘collect with care’ seeking first to understand a customer’s circumstances fully
- Ability to work on own initiative with effective organisational and time management skills with the ability to work to strict deadlines
- Ability to determine and review priorities and achieve performance targets
- Ability to present accurately and concisely written and oral reports and statistical information
- Ability to carry out financial assessments to determine a customer’s financial circumstances, tenancy affordability and support needs
- Detailed knowledge of Universal Credit, Universal Credit vulnerability tiers, managed payments, and the third-party deduction scheme
If you have the drive to deliver a quality, customer focused service we would like to hear from you.
Hours: 37 hours per week, hybrid working, minimum of 3 days in the office.
Income Recovery Officer employer: Sandwell Council
Sandwell MBC is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and a supportive work culture, particularly within the Income Management Team. With a commitment to providing a quality customer journey, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and a focus on teamwork and community support, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income Recovery Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Sandwell Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Income Recovery Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Sandwell Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Sandwell Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Sandwell Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sandwell Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Sandwell Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
