Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Rent Income Officer for our client, a local government organisation based in Kensington, London. The role sits within the organisation’s housing management services.

The successful post holder will maximise rent collection by recovering arrears and enforcing tenancy conditions, with a focus on early intervention to prevent debt and homelessness.

Only candidates with previous Rent Income Officer experience will be considered.

This role is a contract position with an initial contract of 6 months, with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Monitor tenants’ rent and parking accounts, taking prompt action in line with the organisation’s rent collection procedures
• Make arrangements to recover rent arrears, conducting interviews and home visits where needed
• Prepare reports and court papers on arrears cases, and attend court to represent the organisation in arrears and possession cases
• Create and manage use and occupation accounts, ensuring payments are transferred correctly and cases are regularly monitored
• Advise tenants on housing and welfare benefits to help them maximise their income
• Refer vulnerable tenants to internal and external support agencies so tenancies can be sustained
• Attend new tenancy sign-ups and six-week visits to advise tenants on rent payment, benefits and debt management
• Administer payment methods, including online, phone, payment cards and Direct Debits
• Work closely with the Sundry Debts Officer to pursue former tenant arrears before tenancy termination
• Liaise with Neighbourhood Officers, Housing Benefits, DWP, fraud teams, solicitors, the courts and the Finance Team to deliver an efficient service
• Maintain accurate records and report to the Rent Income Team Manager on performance indicators and targets
• Keep up to date with legislation, particularly Welfare Reform, and help brief and train new staff

Personal Requirements:

• Previous Rent Income Officer experience
• Knowledge of public sector housing and rent arrears issues
• Customer service experience
• Good numeracy and IT skills
• Ability to draft letters, memos and reports to a good standard
• Strong communication and negotiation skills when working with residents, colleagues and external agencies
• Ability to keep accurate records
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, show initiative and make decisions
• An understanding of housing and welfare benefits, or a housing-related degree or qualification, would be desirable

Pay: £30.47 per hr

Working Hours: 9:00am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35, and pay will be via an umbrella company.