Rent Recovery Officer

Kingswood Group are assisting with the temporary recruitment of a Rent Recovery Officer for Basildon Borough Council for a period of 4-5 months.

This role is hybid and 1-2 days in the office is expected.

**The role**:
The Rent Team are responsible for collection of the annual rent debit of £52 million from the Council’s social housing stock of approximately 10,500 homes. The team are responsible for the prevention of rent arrears through effective campaigns and early intervention and, where arrears do occur, they are responsible for taking effective recovery action in line with agreed policies and procedures which may include attendance at court. The team work closely with the housing benefit section, Department of Works and Pensions and partners such as Citizens Advice.

**Accountabilities**:

- To ensure effective collection of all rent arrears following the service of a Notice of Seeking Possession stage in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
- To be responsible for preparing and issuing all relevant notices with effective case management of high level rent arrears, within a defined area where previous early interventions have failed.
- To promote a payment culture through all contact with tenants.
- To progress all Housing Management system recommendations for arrears recovery taking the necessary actions as required.
- To negotiate payment arrangements based upon the tenant’s income and expenditure commitments and in line with agreed Policies and Procedures.
- To promote the most effective payment method taking into account the tenants individual circumstances.
- To provide accurate information to all tenants and ensure that take up of housing and other benefits are maximised.
- To refer tenants to the Council’s Housing Advice Service and other debt management organisations such as Citizens Advice and Family Mosaic.
- To liaise and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external agencies and other service providers to maximise income and prevent arrears escalating.
- To ensure appropriate support referrals are made in relation to vulnerable clients and ensure that any case relating to such clients are dealt with sensitively.
- To adhere to the Council’s Safeguarding Children and Protection of Vulnerable Adult policies, ensuring any concerns are reported to the relevant agency.
- To respond to account enquiries promptly providing comprehensive support and advice.
- To interview tenants in relation to rent arrears either by office interview, home visit or rent arrears surgery as appropriate. This may include occasional promotional events.
- To carry out evictions as and when required.
- Ability to travel across the borough will be required

**Experience required**:

- Educated to GCSE level (A-C*) or equivalent standard in Maths and English or relevant experience.
- Proven record of effectively managing complex debt recovery cases and maximising income to the organisation
- A good working knowledge of Housing and related legislation, managing tenancies and pre-court protocols
- Experience of presenting evidence at Court
- A full manual driving licence will be required