3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To support the effective billing, collection, and recovery of Council Tax income by undertaking recovery action in accordance with legislation, council policy, and best practice, while delivering a high standard of customer service and ensuring fair treatment of all customers.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Council Tax legislation, recovery processes, relevant case law, and Council policies and procedures.
* Administer the recovery of Council Tax, initiating appropriate recovery action in line with legislation and Council policy, including:
o Issuing reminders, final notices, and summonses
o Applying for and managing liability orders
o Implementing attachments of earnings and other recovery methods
o Referring cases to external enforcement agents
* Handle customer enquiries arising from recovery action via telephone, letter, and email, including negotiating and agreeing appropriate payment arrangements while maintaining a strong focus on customer service.
* Review and manage cases returned from enforcement agents and determine the most appropriate next course of action.
* Assist with the compilation of statistics, performance data, and management reports.
* Support the testing and implementation of new software releases and system updates relating to the Council Tax system.
* Liaise with senior officers and colleagues to ensure a coordinated and consistent corporate approach to debt recovery and enforcement that complies with legislation and best practice.
* Attend court as required to represent the authority in Council Tax liability proceedings.
* Effectively prioritise and manage own workload to ensure service objectives, performance targets, and customer needs are met.
* Demonstrate awareness and understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and take account of customers’ behavioural, physical, social, and welfare needs, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals.
* Undertake any other duties and responsibilities reasonably allocated and appropriate to the role.
Requirements
* Ability to understand, interpret, and apply complex legislation and procedures.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, and external partners, including handling difficult conversations with tact and diplomacy.
* Proven ability to work on own initiative, using discretion and sound judgement to meet targets and deadlines.
* Experience of prioritising and managing large volumes of complex work, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and giving due regard to urgent or vulnerable cases.
* Strong organisational and time management skills.
* Demonstrable awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and the diverse behavioural, physical, social, and welfare needs of customers.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a flexible approach to work.
* Experience of processing Council Tax accounts, including billing and recovery activities.
* Demonstrable knowledge and experience of using the Academy Revenues system.