Job Description:
Marks Consulting Partners are currently recruiting for an experienced Income Officer to join a dynamic Housing Association based in South London. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the income collection and arrears recovery process, working closely with tenants to provide effective support and guidance, and ensuring the organization's financial sustainability.
**Key Responsibilities:
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Income Collection & Arrears Management:
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Proactively manage rent accounts to maximize income collection, minimize arrears, and ensure all payments are received in a timely manner.
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Monitor and take appropriate action on accounts in arrears, including the implementation of recovery procedures in line with organizational policies.
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Conduct investigations into overdue payments, establish repayment plans, and initiate legal proceedings where necessary.
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Tenant Engagement & Support:
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Build and maintain effective relationships with tenants to provide support and guidance on rent payments, benefits, and debt management.
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Work closely with vulnerable tenants, offering financial advice and signposting to external support agencies, where necessary.
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Handle tenant enquiries relating to rent and arrears and ensure effective communication to resolve issues efficiently.
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Collaboration with Internal Teams:
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Liaise with other teams, including Housing Officers and Welfare Advisors, to ensure that tenant issues impacting income collection are addressed holistically.
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Collaborate with legal and enforcement teams for escalation of serious arrears cases.
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Reporting & Data Management:
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Maintain accurate records of rent collection and arrears cases, using relevant systems.
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Produce regular reports on rent arrears, collections, and payment trends to inform management and support decision-making.
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Compliance & Legislation:
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Ensure compliance with relevant housing legislation, rent regulations, and internal policies.
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Stay up to date with changes in welfare benefits, rent policies, and other factors affecting tenant income.
**Candidate Requirements:
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Experience:
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Essential: Proven experience in an Income Officer role within a housing association, local authority, or similar organization.
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Demonstrable experience of working with tenants in rent arrears and offering financial advice and solutions.
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Skills & Knowledge:
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Strong understanding of rent collection processes, arrears recovery, and legal proceedings related to housing.
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Knowledge of welfare benefits, Universal Credit, and support services for vulnerable tenants.
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Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with tenants from diverse backgrounds.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a demanding workload in a fast-paced environment.
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IT Proficiency:
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Confident in using housing management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
**Working Conditions:
- Full-time, permanent position.
- Hybrid working model with flexibility for home and office-based work.
- Based in South London with occasional travel to tenant properties.
**Salary & Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Marks Consulting Partners are committed to diversity and equality in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.