At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Income Management Team to manage income and debt recovery while supporting customers.
- Company: Sandwell MBC, dedicated to excellent customer service and community support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on customer care and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them manage their housing costs.
- 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 Metropolitan Borough 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 making a meaningful impact in the community through effective income recovery and support services.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Income Recovery Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Income Recovery Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
