Full job descriptionDebt Recovery Officer
Wembley Based Local Authority Wembley | Hybrid Working Available Immediate Start Ongoing Temporary Assignment £20.08 PAYE per hour £26.44 Umbrella per hour
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Debt Recovery Officer to join a busy local authority revenues team in Wembley on an ongoing temporary basis.
This role requires a candidate with previous local authority debt recovery experience, who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision. Experience of Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery and a strong working knowledge of the NEC system are essential.
The Role
You will be responsible for recovering and enforcing a range of debts on behalf of the council, ensuring collection targets are met while maintaining compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.
Working within a fast-paced environment, you will manage debt recovery cases from initial arrears through to enforcement action, liaising with customers, enforcement agents and internal departments as required.
Key Responsibilities
*Recover outstanding debts across a range of revenue streams.
*Manage Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery cases.
*Undertake recovery and enforcement action in accordance with legislation and council policies.
*Maintain accurate records using the NEC system.
*Liaise with customers regarding payment arrangements and arrears.
*Progress cases through the appropriate recovery stages.
*Work with enforcement agents and external organisations where required.
*Monitor accounts and take appropriate action to maximise collection rates.
*Respond to customer enquiries and correspondence.
*Ensure all recovery activity is carried out efficiently and effectively.
Debt Portfolios May Include
*Housing Benefit Overpayments
*Council Tax
*Parking and Road Traffic Debts
*Adult Social Care Debt
*Sundry Debts
*Other debt recovery portfolios managed by the council
About You
Essential Requirements
*Previous experience working as a Debt Recovery Officer, Recovery Officer or similar role within a local authority environment.
*Proven experience recovering Housing Benefit Overpayments.
*Strong working knowledge of the NEC system.
*Experience undertaking debt recovery and enforcement activities.
*Understanding of relevant recovery legislation and processes.
*Ability to manage a busy workload independently.
*Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
*Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
*Able to start quickly and make an immediate contribution to the team.