We have a vacancy for a recovery officer who would join our Debt Recovery Tower in our Recovery team dealing with Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council. You will be working with colleagues to provide a recovery and enforcement service for council tax, initially and primarily for Swindon Borough Council, but also to support colleagues working on council tax recovery and enforcement for North Somerset Council as needed. This role is a fantastic opportunity for someone used to a fast-paced environment, with experience in debt recovery and committed to delivering a high-quality service. The role is a hybrid role; although the majority of your time will be spent working from home, there is a requirement to attend monthly Magistrates’ Court sessions in Swindon.
Key tasks and responsibilities:
* Attending Swindon Magistrates Court monthly to secure liability orders against unpaid council tax arrears.
* Agree and monitor payment arrangements with debtors.
* Set and monitor deductions from earnings and benefits, liaising with employers and DWP (where appropriate).
* Escalating debts to enforcement agencies.
* Updating relevant third parties with details of any liability changes affecting the value of outstanding debt to be recovered (including updating enforcement agencies with details of direct payments).
* Responding to customer queries and complaints relating to enforcement actions and activity by telephone, letter and email.
* Where appropriate, preparing cases for higher end recovery (including but not limited to charging orders and committal to prison).
Essential Skills and Attributes:
* Debt recovery: prior experience of debt recovery is essential (prior experience of council tax recovery is desirable but not essential).
* Fluent English: proficiency in both written and spoken English.
* IT Skills: competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook (prior experience of existing council tax systems – NEC and NDMS – is desirable but not essential).
* Telephony Skills: proven ability to communicate effectively, especially with challenging or vulnerable customers.
* Self-Management/Motivation: ability to work towards targets by prioritisation and planning, and to display professionalism and confidence in all interactions.
* Flexibility & Adaptability: the ability to adjust/adapt to an often rapidly changing work environment.
* Team Collaboration: working as part of a team is a core element of the position, with the willingness to assist other team members as needed.
Security vetting and checks:
All successful candidates must meet the government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
* External candidates: This includes a basic criminal record check (for unspent convictions) and an annual adverse finance check (for CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcies, Scottish decrees, or Administration Orders).
* Internal candidates: An annual adverse finance check will be required.
If you do not meet these requirements, your offer may be withdrawn.