Arrears Collection and Arrears Recovery Officer

We are seeking a Rent Collection & Arrears Recovery Officer to manage the most significant financial risks to successful tenancies and maximize all rental income due to the Council. The ideal candidate will ensure that all necessary and proportional enforcement action is taken when all reasonable and appropriate interventions and support measures have been exhausted. The Rent Collection & Arrears Recovery Officer will be responsible for maximizing the income stream from a range of occupation arrangements through an effective and supportive recovery process, with an emphasis on the delivery of a 'Rent First' approach. Additionally, they will take responsibility for case work management up to and including the preparation of legal referrals for court action. The successful candidate will work extensively with a range of internal and external partners to maximize the potential for rent due to be paid and to minimize the potential for debts to escalate, necessitating formal enforcement action to be taken. A detailed understanding of the Universal Credit claimant journey is essential, as the Rent Collection & Arrears Recovery Officer will work collaboratively with tenants and the DWP / JCP to maximize the potential for successful claims, successful claim management, and regular rent payment. The model of arrears recovery contributes to the strategic object of preventing homelessness and sustaining all forms of occupation arrangement, involving ‘doing the right thing at the right time’ to enable residents to be appropriately supported at the earliest opportunity and to ensure compliance with tenancy obligations.