Housing Officer Salary up to £44619 (3 month temporary contract - could get extended) Motherwell Free Parking Oliver Smith Recruitment are working in partnership with our key client in Motherwell to recruit a Housing Officer on a 3 month temporary contract. This role will report directly to the Senior Revenue Officer and will provide a comprehensive housing management service to customers in relation to Debt Recovery and Tenancy Sustainment. Duties: Debt Management Have a working knowledge of the legal framework for arrears control and have an awareness of the current Welfare Benefit system. Maximise rental income by checking accounts on a regular basis and taking action in line with the Associations arrears policies and procedures. Ensure actions completed timeously and recorded appropriately. Liaise with local Authority Housing Benefit Departments and the Department of Work and Pensions to assist customers in maximising their income. Establish contact with customers and work with them to agree realistic and sustainable re-payment arrangements. Record all communications and actions accurately and ensuring GDPR compliance whenever information requests received. Keep accurate records, instruct legal action where necessary. Take action in line with pre-action requirements. Ensure court instructions are authorised and prepared accurately- liaise with the Association’s Solicitors during action. Prepare bad debt cases for write off in accordance with policy and procedure. Refer customers to appropriate third sector agencies for help and advice. Have a pro-active approach to encouraging customers to engage. Provide support to customers and work to prevent legal action. Maximise take up of benefits by providing advice and information concerning Housing Benefit and other benefits, assisting with the completion of applications and verification of income where appropriate. Liaise with the Association’s Income Maximisation Officer and as appropriate with Local Authority Housing Benefit colleagues and DWP Carry out any other relevant duty as may be determined from time to time by the Senior Housing Officer and Housing Manager. Tenancy Sustainment Work closely with the wider Housing Team to identify possible sustainment issues and work with customers towards solutions. Communicate effectively with external agencies and signpost effectively and appropriately to maximise income and minimise debt. Adopt a holistic approach to debt management- try to identify underlying issues and vulnerabilities which contribute to customer’s debt and facilitate appropriate intervention. Participate in case conferences and work with others to seek alternatives to eviction. Interviews will be held ASAP at our clients HQ.