Job Description

Location - Castle Point, Essex and Hybrid - 1 day per week in the office

Background

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our successful Recovery Team collecting outstanding Council Tax, Business Rates and other income owed to the Council. This role is interesting and varied and we are looking for an enthusiastic team player who can support us with negotiating payment from customers, maintaining accurate records, deciding appropriate recovery actions amongst other responsibilities. You will also need excellent communication skills to liaise with the public, other Council departments, Enforcement agents and advice agencies.

Experience and knowledge of Council Tax or Business Rates and a relevant IT system is essential.

Key Responsibilities

* To assist with the administration of systems reports and a wide range of recovery methods, including reminders, Final notices, Summonses, 14-day notices, enforcement, charging orders, and insolvency.

* Assessing customers income/expenditure, make special payment arrangements at all stages of recovery, reviewing and monitoring as necessary. Liaise with other stakeholders such as Peabody, Stepchange and CAB.

* Responding to enquiries by letter, email, and in person, as required with a preference to digital communications where available.

* Instigating and reviewing Attachment of Earning Orders and deductions from Income

* Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Earnings Support Allowance or Universal Credit, ensuring payments are received and allocated correctly.

* Providing support both before and at Court or Valuation Tribunal, preparing paperwork or evidence and dealing with customer queries and making payment arrangements.

* Tracing absconded customers, using internal and third-party systems.

* Identifying irrecoverable debts, undertake all relevant checks, and prepare documentation to recommend write off.

* Through ongoing training, maintain a detailed knowledge of procedures, legislation and case-law, relating to the recovery and enforcement of debts.

* Ensuring accurate case selection for Enforcement, liaising with the Enforcement Agents, and updating both our and third-party systems.

Checking and actioning monthly reports at various stages of recovery to maximise collections.

Qualifications and Experience

* Have experience and knowledge of Council Tax or Business Rates.

* Have experience of Microsoft Office and a revenues system, ideally but not limited to Civica Open Revenues.

* Have good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to support and negotiate with customers and stakeholders in calm, sensitive way in difficult situations.

* Have the ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs