Debt Recovery Officer - Local Authority

Reed; England; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Reed Public Sector in Berkshire is seeking an experienced Debt Recovery Officer on an initial 3-month temporary contract with hybrid working. You will manage overdue accounts, negotiate repayment plans, and ensure actions comply with legislation and council policies while delivering excellent customer service to residents.

The role requires strong negotiation, communication, and organised case management skills, with experience in debt/income recovery or revenues within the public sector being

Qualifications

• Experience in debt/income recovery or revenues is essential.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities are required.
• Proven organisational and time management skills within a public sector setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of overdue accounts and outstanding debts.
• Contact customers via telephone, email, and written correspondence to recover unpaid balances.
• Negotiate realistic repayment plans and monitor ongoing arrangements.
• Assess customer circumstances and provide appropriate support and guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and update case management systems.
• Liaise with internal departments, legal teams, and external agencies when required.
• Prepare documentation for legal proceedings and enforcement actions where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with debt recovery policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Support the council's income collection targets while delivering a customer-focused service.

Skills

Debt Recovery

Income Recovery

Credit Control

Negotiation

Communication

Customer Service

Organisation

Time Management

Data Entry

Case Management

Job description

Debt Recovery Officer
£15.69 - £17.53 per hour PAYE
Initial 3-Month Contract

Berkshire - Hybrid Working

Reed Public Sector is delighted to be supporting a Local Authority in Berkshire in their search for an experienced Debt Recovery Officer to join their team on an initial 3-month temporary contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced debt recovery or income collection professional to play a key role in maximising income recovery while supporting residents and maintaining excellent customer service standards.

The Role

As a Debt Recovery Officer, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of outstanding debts, recovering arrears, negotiating payment arrangements, and ensuring all recovery action is carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of overdue accounts and outstanding debts.
• Contact customers via telephone, email, and written correspondence to recover unpaid balances.
• Negotiate realistic repayment plans and monitor ongoing arrangements.
• Assess customer circumstances and provide appropriate support and guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and update case management systems.
• Liaise with internal departments, legal teams, and external agencies where required.
• Prepare documentation for legal proceedings and enforcement action where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with debt recovery policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Support the council's income collection targets while delivering a customer-focused service.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Previous experience in Debt Recovery, Income Recovery, Revenues, Credit Control, Housing Income, or a similar role.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to handle sensitive and challenging conversations professionally.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience using financial, revenues, or case management systems.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach to debt collection.
• Experience working within a Local Authority, Housing Association, or wider Public Sector environment is desirable.

Have the expertise and experience