Debt & Deferred Payment Assistant

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich City; Hybrid; AUD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Flexible working

Training & development

Volunteer days

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Assistant to join the Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Team in Ipswich. You will handle inquiries, help gather information for Deferred Payment Agreements and support debt recovery operations with a client‑focused approach.

The role emphasizes accuracy, clear communication, teamwork and the ability to manage multiple priorities while offering flexible working options and a commitment to safeguarding and equality.

Qualifications

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication skills to explain information clearly and sensitively.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Good organisational skills to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for the team, handling telephone and email enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Gather and process initial information for Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs).
• Monitor debt repayment arrangements, identify missed payments or review requirements and escalate concerns promptly.
• Work closely with the Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Officer to deliver a high‑quality and customer‑focused service.
• Draft and issue letters, emails, reminders and other correspondence, ensuring communications are clear and timely.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Organisation

Job description

• - Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB, Suffolk - Hybrid
• - Salary: £26,016 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• - Hours: up to 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• - Contract: Permanent
• - Post 1: 37 hours per week
• - Post 2: 25.2 hours per week
• - Post 3: 37 hours per week

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Assistant in the Debt and Deferred Payments Team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Assistant, you will:

• - Act as the first point of contact for the team, handling telephone and email enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• - Gather and process initial information for Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs).
• - Monitor debt repayment arrangements, identifying missed payments or review requirements and escalating concerns promptly.
• - Work closely with the Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Officer to deliver a high-quality and customer-focused service.
• - Draft and issue letters, emails, reminders and other correspondence, ensuring all communications are clear, accurate and timely.

You will need

We're looking for a motivated and organised individual who has:

• - Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• - Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively.
• - The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• - A positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• - Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

The team

The Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Team is part of Suffolk County Council's Financial Inclusion and Advice Service (FIAS). We support adults who receive care and support from Adult Social Care by helping them manage outstanding debts in a fair, compassionate and proportionate way.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Sarah Nivison for a casual conversation. You can her by calling 01473 265198 or emailing [e-mail].

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).