Positive Employment is currently recruiting for an Income Officer for our client a local government organisation based in Bournemouth.
The successful post holder will be responsible for maximising income through the effective recovery of rent arrears and provide a proactive and efficient service. This will primarily include the management of arrears cases, providing rent and arrears advice and liaising with tenants regarding the implications of welfare reform. Attending court and working with external agencies.
This is a 4 month starting contract with the possibility to extend. Mainly remote, may be required to visit office on occasion.
Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
- Pursue rent arrears in line with the organisation's Rent Arrears Policy and Procedure.
- Control the recovery of current rent arrears through correspondence, home visits, telephone calls and face to face interviews in order to make repayment arrangements.
- Prepare and serve notices in order to initiate legal action against tenants for non-payment of rent.
- Prepare Court papers ensuring compliance with the Rent Arrears Pre-action Protocol.
- Represent the organisation at County Court in rent arrears possession cases and applications to suspend warrants.
- Prepare reports for approval for the application of a Warrant for Possession.
- Provide welfare benefits information and assistance to tenants with a view to maximising tenant's income.
- Provide information on debt advice and assistance to tenants with a view to reducing rent arrears and other debt problems.
- Identify fraudulent Housing Benefit claims and act appropriately.
Personal Requirements:
- Level 4 diploma in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills, and proven experience in income management.
- Good working knowledge of the processes, procedures and policies relating to income management.
- Experience of enforcement and legal proceedings to deal with rent recovery including attendance at court.
- Experience of working with tenants to obtain their co-operation to resolve rent arrears.
- Previous local authority or Housing Association experience ideal.
- DBS check required.
Working Hours: 09:00am - 17:00pm, Monday - Friday
Pay: £20.70 p/h
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.