Debt Recovery Officer

Wembley Based Local AuthorityWembley | Hybrid Working AvailableImmediate StartOngoing Temporary Assignment£20.08 PAYE per hour£26.44 Umbrella per hour

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Debt Recovery Officer to join a busy local authority revenues team in Wembley on an ongoing temporary basis.

This role requires a candidate with previous local authority debt recovery experience, who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision. Experience of Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery and a strong working knowledge of the NEC system are essential.

The Role

You will be responsible for recovering and enforcing a range of debts on behalf of the council, ensuring collection targets are met while maintaining compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.

Working within a fast-paced environment, you will manage debt recovery cases from initial arrears through to enforcement action, liaising with customers, enforcement agents and internal departments as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Recover outstanding debts across a range of revenue streams.
• Manage Housing Benefit Overpayment recovery cases.
• Undertake recovery and enforcement action in accordance with legislation and council policies.
• Maintain accurate records using the NEC system.
• Liaise with customers regarding payment arrangements and arrears.
• Progress cases through the appropriate recovery stages.
• Work with enforcement agents and external organisations where required.
• Monitor accounts and take appropriate action to maximise collection rates.
• Respond to customer enquiries and correspondence.
• Ensure all recovery activity is carried out efficiently and effectively.

Debt Portfolios May Include

• Housing Benefit Overpayments
• Council Tax
• Parking and Road Traffic Debts
• Adult Social Care Debt
• Sundry Debts
• Other debt recovery portfolios managed by the council

About You

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Debt Recovery Officer, Recovery Officer or similar role within a local authority environment.
• Proven experience recovering Housing Benefit Overpayments.
• Strong working knowledge of the NEC system.
• Experience undertaking debt recovery and enforcement activities.
• Understanding of relevant recovery legislation and processes.
• Ability to manage a busy workload independently.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Able to start quickly and make an immediate contribution to the team.