Income Officer
Bournemouth
Temporary, 3 Months
Full Time, 37 Hours per Week
Hybrid, Mainly Work from Home
We are recruiting for an Income Officer to join a Local Authority in Bournemouth for a 3-month contract. This role is essential for maximising income through effective recovery of rent arrears and providing proactive and efficient service.
THE ROLE
As an Income Officer, you will be responsible for managing arrears cases, providing rent and arrears advice, and liaising with tenants regarding welfare reform implications. Key responsibilities include:
- Pursuing rent arrears in line with BCP Council's Rent Arrears Policy and Procedure.
- Controlling the recovery of current rent arrears through various methods including correspondence, home visits, telephone calls, and face-to-face interviews.
- Preparing and serving notices to initiate legal action against tenants for non-payment of rent.
- Preparing court papers ensuring compliance with the Rent Arrears Pre-action Protocol.
- Representing BCP Council at County Court in rent arrears possession cases and applications to suspend warrants.
- Preparing reports for approval for the application of a Warrant for Possession.
- Liaising with the County Court Bailiffs and attending evictions.
- Providing accurate advice and information to customers, keeping up-to-date with policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Providing welfare benefits information and assistance to tenants to maximise their income.
- Offering debt advice and assistance to tenants to reduce rent arrears and other debt problems.
- Working in partnership with internal and external agencies including the Housing Benefit department, Citizens Advice Bureau, Police, Shelter, Residents groups, and other appropriate agencies.
- Helping develop and deliver team plans and individual targets, contributing positively to improvement activities and projects.
- Ensuring up-to-date and accurate information is maintained on all IT and other information systems.
- Maintaining high levels of customer care at all times.
- Identifying fraudulent Housing Benefit claims and acting appropriately.
THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role and the following qualifications and attributes:
- Level 4 diploma in a relevant subject or equivalent knowledge, skills, and proven experience in income management.
- Good working knowledge of processes, procedures, and policies relating to income management.
- Experience managing a complex caseload and working independently to achieve outcomes.
- Experience with enforcement and legal proceedings for rent recovery, including court attendance.
- Experience working with colleagues, external partners, other public sector agencies, and the voluntary sector to resolve cases.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with tenants, colleagues, and external agencies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Commitment to providing high levels of customer care.
- Ability to exercise judgement, sensitivity, and discretion in case management.
- Tact and professionalism to diffuse confrontational situations.
THE CONTRACT
- 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- 3-month contract.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please email a copy of your CV to or call to discuss the role in more detail! If the role is more suited to someone you know, we offer a £250 referral bonus for every successfully referred candidate!