Assessment and Recovery Officer

Essential Employment; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Essential Employment in Wolverhampton seeks an Assessment and Recovery Officer on a temporary basis. The role concentrates on ensuring correct benefit entitlement and accurate charging while supporting fair recovery of outstanding debt.

You will specialise in housing benefit and council tax support entitlement, determine liabilities, choose enforcement methods, and negotiate payment plans. The role involves face-to-face, telephone and written communications, and may include court appearances.

Qualifications

• Experience in welfare benefits assessment (housing benefit, council tax support).
• Experience in debt recovery and enforcement procedures.
• Strong communication skills across in-person, phone and written contact.

Responsibilities

• Assess entitlement to housing benefit and council tax support.
• Determine council tax and business rates liability and select enforcement methods.
• Negotiate payment arrangements with customers and explain options.
• Engage with customers in person, by phone and in writing; attend court when required.
• Contribute to service development and participate in training.

Skills

Benefits assessment

Debt recovery

Negotiation

Customer service

Job description

Assessment and Recovery Officer needed in Wolverhampton

This is a temporary role and the rate is £29.00ph PAYE

The reference number is: 8074-1

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that people receive the correct benefits and are charged the correct amounts at the right time, while supporting fair and effective recovery of outstanding debt.

They will specialise in assessing entitlement to housing benefit and council tax support, determining council tax and business rates liability, and selecting appropriate enforcement methods to secure sustainable repayment. The successful candidate will confidently negotiate payment arrangements, engage with customers in person, by phone and in writing, and attend court to explain processes and agree solutions.

They will maximise income, minimise loss, and uphold all relevant professional standards, policies and regulations, including GDPR, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and safeguarding responsibilities linked to Corporate Parenting. They will contribute to service development, participate in ongoing training and continuous professional development, and undertake additional duties appropriate to the role while maintaining a high‑quality, customer‑focused approach.

Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.