Job Description

Recovery Officer (Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry Debts including Adult Social Care Debt)

We are looking for an experienced person to work as a Recovery Officer within the Recovery Team to handle customer accounts and collect Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry Debts. The team has consistently achieved very high percentage collection rates and you will help us to maintain our exceptional performance.

The individual must be able to negotiate to maximise collection by utilising the most appropriate method of recovery. This includes attachment of earnings/benefits, charging orders, instructing enforcement agents, and other available means, working towards the teams\' targets and meeting deadlines.

Working in a pressurised environment, the successful candidate will be able to manage deadlines and meet recovery targets, whilst being compassionate, empathetic, and understanding to customers in difficult situations

The team has recently been restructured and this is an exciting time to join us on our journey.

Key responsibilities:

• To proactively pursue outstanding debt due to the Council including Council Tax, Business Rates, Adult Social Care Debt or Sundry Debt
• Process Council Tax and Business Rates (NNDR) debt from the issue of summons
• Handling customer queries by telephone, email and by other means of contact
• Attend the Magistrates\'/County Court as required
• Negotiating payment plans to ensure invoices are paid on time and that Council Tax/Business Rates arrears are brought up to date as quickly possible, allowing for the customer\'s circumstances
• Monitoring customer accounts to ensure payments are being received and take action to progress recovery as appropriate
• Deciding on the most effective means of collection on an individual case basis

Candidate requirements:

• Good IT skills including office software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to produce quality work to tight deadlines
• Creative approach to problem solving
• To have a good knowledge of Business Rates/Council Tax, Adult Social Care and Sundry Debt legislation, law and practice and any other related legislation.

Benefits - We can offer you a host of excellent benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave allowance.
• Flexible Working Options
• Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Sports & Leisure Discounts
• And much more!

If you think this role would suit you and you would like further information please contact Gary Clarke (Recovery Manager) on 0118 237 8767, Becky Mortimer-Browne (Service Manager - Revenues and Recovery) on 0118 237 8796

Closing date for applications: Sunday 10th September 2023

Interview date: W/C 18th September 2023

Please be aware that we will review applications on receipt and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

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