Job Description

6 MONTH CONTRACT

In this role, you will:


Be responsible, as part of a Housing Management team, for providing a responsive and pro-active service to potential, existing and former tenants, or their representatives. Provide font-line rental income services and advice in relation to potential, existing and former tenancies. Liaise with the Local Authorities and DWP to maximise income received as the result of housing related benefits, and ensure payments are received as expected

KEY DUTIES

To monitor our housing management systems, and support the Housing Officers in the collection and management of rental income for current tenancies, against set targets and procedures. Acting as a triage for tenants in low arrears, to help secure payment of rent and help manage rent accounts effectively. Work with the Rental Income Team to deliver initiatives, which promote early intervention, to prevent rent arrears occurring on rent accounts for current tenants, and existing rent arrears rising. To manage the rent accounts for all new tenancies, and work with tenants in rent arrears to help them to understand their rent account balance and/or; agree on various methods of payment, affordable repayment arrangements, provide support to access housing related benefits To be responsible for the reconciliation of the rent accounts for all former tenancies. The re-allocation or refund of credit balances, processing of irrecoverable debt, and maximise the collection of former tenancy arrears, against set targets and procedures. To process County Court applications for unpaid debt associated with former tenancies (using the Money Claim On Line service), and manage the trace service via the nominated debt collection agent. To complete team tasks in a timely manner and handle incoming enquiries from tenants, keeping them informed at all times of progress in relation to their rent account and query, and ensure accurate records are maintained of any actions, conversations and contacts. Monitor the Landlord Portals for the DWP and Local Authorities to check a tenants' entitlement to housing related benefits, and ensure a tenant's claim information is correct. Help to maintain our housing management systems to ensure, information relating to a tenant's eligibility to benefits is recorded accurately. Be aware of current legislation relating to housing and Welfare Reform, and how access to welfare benefits may affect ability to pay rent. On occasion, work collaboratively on projects with the Tenancy Sustainment Group, which help tenants to sustain their tenancy, and delivers against the association's wider financial inclusion activities, including supporting access to welfare benefits, digital training and routes into employment. Strong commitment to operating in line with our organisational cultural principles:

What you will need

Previous experience in a housing environment or similar, and operating in an income service. Excellent administrative, organisational and interpersonal skills, particularly with customers who may be vulnerable or anxious. The ability to create good relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, with a positive approach to dealing with challenges To work to performance targets, and monitor own performance. Well versed in housing and welfare benefit issues. Full Driving Licence and business insurance

Please note that all roles require the satisfactory completion of a standard DBS check.