Rent Recovery Officer (Temp) - Basildon Borough Council

Rent Recovery Officer (Temp) - Basildon Borough Council
This is a hybrid role, the office base is at Basildon Council Offices. There is a requirement to be in the office to meet business needs (1-2 days per week).
Job Purpose
To manage higher value/complex rent arrears cases taking enforcement action as necessary including representing the Council in the County Court
To maximise rental income to the Council and minimise rent arrears.
To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, policy and guidance.
To deliver a customer focused rent collection service.
Team Information
The Rent Team are responsible for collection of the annual rent debit of £52 million from the Council’s social housing stock of approximately 10,500 homes. The team are responsible for the prevention of rent arrears through effective campaigns and early intervention and, where arrears do occur, they are responsible for taking effective recovery action in line with agreed policies and procedures which may include attendance at court. The team work closely with officers in the ASB Team and Tenancy and Estate Management to ensure a holistic approach to housing management services.
Within the Rent Team, the Housing Support Officers deal with prevention, early intervention and recovery of low level arrears and Rent Recovery Officers deal with the higher level/more complex cases which require enforcement action. Where early intervention is unsuccessful, cases are escalated to the Rent Recovery Officers to serve formal notices and commence court action as appropriate.
The team work closely with the housing benefit section, Department of Works and Pensions and partners such as Citizens Advice.
Accountabilities
To ensure effective collection of all rent arrears following the service of a Notice of Seeking Possession stage in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
To be responsible for preparing and issuing all relevant notices with effective case management of high level rent arrears, within a defined area where previous early interventions have failed.
To promote a payment culture through all contact with tenants.
To progress all Housing Management system recommendations for arrears recovery taking the necessary actions as required.
To negotiate payment arrangements based upon the tenant’s income and expenditure commitments and in line with agreed Policies and Procedures.
To promote the most effective payment method taking into account the tenants individual circumstances.
To provide accurate information to all tenants and ensure that take up of housing and other benefits are maximised.
To refer tenants to the Council’s Housing Advice Service and other debt management organisations such as Citizens Advice and Family Mosaic.
To liaise and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external agencies and other service providers to maximise income and prevent arrears escalating.
To ensure appropriate support referrals are made in relation to vulnerable clients and ensure that any case relating to such clients are dealt with sensitively.
To adhere to the Council’s Safeguarding Children and Protection of Vulnerable Adult policies, ensuring any concerns are reported to the relevant agency.
To respond to account enquiries promptly providing comprehensive support and advice.
To interview tenants in relation to rent arrears either by office interview, home visit or rent arrears surgery as appropriate. This may include occasional promotional events.
To compile evidence and to prepare court applications in line with agreed Policies and procedures.
To prepare witness statements and other relevant documentation having regard to debt protocols.
To attend court as a key witness in possession proceedings and to represent the Council in a professional manner.
To compile concise and accurate eviction warrant reports and other key documents to enable the Manager of Housing & Community Services to make a sound decision.
To have regard to the Council’s Risk Assessment in relation to Home visits/Evictions and undertake Dynamic Risk Assessment for court bailiffs and other representatives from the council and other agencies.
To make the necessary repairs arrangements prior to undertaking evictions to ensure the security of the property.
To carry out evictions as and when required.
Ability to travel across the borough will be required
Ensure that use of Local Authority and Government systems and communications with DWP through the Customer Information System (CIS) or its equivalent are properly implemented and undertaken by the relevant staff in accordance with agreed procedures.
The Experience You Will Bring
Educated to GCSE level (A-C*) or equivalent standard in Maths and English or relevant experience.
Proven record of effectively managing complex debt recovery cases and maximising income to the organisation
A good working knowledge of Housing and related legislation, managing tenancies and pre-court protocols.
Experience of customer service, demonstrating good communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining effective partnerships to deliver positive outcomes
Good working knowledge of IT systems with the ability to use Word, databases, spreadsheets and emails.
Experience of presenting evidence at Court
A full manual driving licence will be required
Should you wish to apply for this job opportunity, please, send an up to date CV.