Rent & Income Collection Officer

Rent & Income Collection Officer
£36,000 - £40,000
Permanent, full-time 
Hybrid
Feltham
About Lampton Group
Lampton Group was established by the London Borough of Hounslow in 2012 with the objective of trading local authority functions in order to generate financial surpluses and return those to the council. Our companies represent a bold, new and ambitious approach by a London Borough. It is made up of five distinct business areas:
Services - Recycle  -  Greenspace  -   Leisure  -  Homes
Underpinning everything, we do are our values – Customer First – One Team – Respectful – Energised. Everything we do aims to align to our values and strategic ambitions.
About the role
The Rent and Income Manager will have responsibility for working with residents to help manage their rent accounts. 
They will ensure we maximise income by meeting rent collection and arrears targets. 
They will monitor any tenant recharges.
 The Rent and Income will focus on prevention and early intervention when an account falls into arrears. They will work closely with LB Hounslow to ensure tenants receive support and the tenancy is sustained. 
Failing tenancies requiring support will be referred to Resident Engagement Manager.
Key Responsibilities include:
To maximise rent collection in line with KPI’s by making arrangements to recover rent arrears and to enforce related tenancy conditions with emphasis placed on prevention and early intervention. 
To monitor tenants’ rent accounts and take prompt action in accordance with the Lampton Homes rent collection procedures to prevent the accumulation of debt and ensure tenancy sustainment. 
To be responsible for preparing timely and accurate reports on arrears case liaise with solicitors, prepare documentation and attend Court for possession cases.
To keep up to date with changes to legislation and in particular the impact of Welfare Reform on both tenants and the organisation. 
To assist vulnerable tenants by referring to internal and external support agencies, where appropriate work with Resident Engagement Manager to ensure that tenancies can be sustained, and tenant’s needs are met. 
To conduct interviews and/or undertake home visits to tenants in connection with matters relating to rent payment and the recovery of arrears. 
To liaise with Resident Services Managers to ensure the delivery of coordinated and efficient services to each resident. Including updating household records on the housing software systems.
Administration of payment methods including online, phone, standing order including creation and relevant amendments based on payment arrangements. 
Proactively monitoring and reporting to the Head of Housing Services in respect of service delivery, performance indicators and targets. 
To share knowledge, learning and best practice with the team and to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of procedures. 
To work with other agencies and departments such as London Borough of Hounslow, DWP, Solicitors and the Courts in delivering an efficient and effective service. Work closely with Finance Team to ensure any rent related issues/requests are promptly actioned. 
Whilst this job description attempts to cover the main duties and responsibilities of the post it is not exhaustive. The post holder is therefore expected to undertake any other reasonable duties within their capabilities and the scope of the post as specified by their line manager. 
Knowledge and skills required:-
Degree-level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience commensurate to
the role.
Holds a relevant professional qualification (highly desirable).
Excellent knowledge of social housing regulation and an understanding of best practice and industry leading developments.
Experience of working of in rent collection and arrears management.
Excellent verbal, written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt this approach for different audiences.
Strong negotiating and influencing skills across a range of stakeholders  
Analytical, with the ability to quickly solve problems through practical and innovative means. 
Achievement focused approach, with the ability to drive performance.
Excellent customer focus and a genuine desire to achieve excellence in all areas of responsibility.
Commitment to equality and diversityExperience
Experience of working directly with residents in a strong customer service environment.
Experience and knowledge of effect
Experience and knowledge of effective use of customer engagement to support the delivery of more effective targeted services Proven track record of delivering new initiatives across a range of services.
Experience of working with external partnership agencies 
In return Lampton Group will offer you 
Holiday Allowance – Relax away from work with a generous annual leave entitlement.  
Enhanced maternity leave – However you become a new mum, we offer up to 52 weeks’ leave after the birth or adoption of your child, and the option of a phased return over 3 months.  
Paternity Leave – We offer new dads 2 weeks leave after the birth or adoption of your child. 
Pension Scheme - Save for your retirement by joining our optional company pension scheme which consists of equal  4% Employer / 4% Employee contributions. 
Refer a Friend – If you have a friend who is looking for a new opportunity you could earn up to £250 for each new employee referred (T&C’s apply)  
Staff wellbeing services - We want to keep you happy and healthy at work. Our wellbeing services include access to Occupational Health, online GP and the Employee Assistance Programme.  
Flu Jabs – All Employees are eligible for a flu jab voucher.  
Eye care vouchers and support towards glasses – All Employees are also eligible for eye care vouchers and financial support toward buying a new pair of glasses.  
Employee benefits portal – Each month you’ll be able to shop, eat or go out for less. Our benefits portal offers various discounts and benefits across a range of companies  
Gym Membership – Keeping fit has never been easier for Lampton Employees. We offer our top-level gold membership to our Lampton Leisure sites, available to every employee of the Group.  
Cycle to work scheme – Live nearby and want to cycle to work? Once you’ve passed probation you can save money on a new bike with our cycle to work scheme.  
Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme – If you’re looking for a brand-new EV that comes with financial incentives like 2% BiK and 100% ULEZ and Congestion Charge discounts (in 2023/24), look no further. Our company Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme is available to employees after passing probation.  
Due to the needs of the business and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply. 
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we value as an organisation. Lampton Group is an equal opportunities employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status protected by law. Our recruitment team are happy to support with any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.