Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Officer

Borough of Newham; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Greater London is looking for a Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Officer to become part of their Overpayment Team. The role involves tracing debtors, negotiating repayment arrangements, and maintaining accounts accurately. Ideal candidates should possess strong negotiation and communication skills, resilience in challenging situations, and a customer-focused approach. The position offers a salary of £35,520 - £39,276 per annum and aims to create an inclusive workplace for all.

Qualifications

• Confidence and resilience in challenging situations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to gain customer commitment.
• A firm but fair approach to debt recovery.

Responsibilities

• Proactively trace debtors to establish current addresses and secure repayment.
• Negotiate realistic and sustainable payment arrangements in line with council policies.
• Administer and maintain overpayment accounts with accuracy.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Resilience

Customer care

Empathy

Job description

Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Officer

Salary: £35,520 - £39,276 per annum

We are seeking a proactive and resilient individual to join our Overpayment Team dedicated to recovering Housing Benefit overpayments efficiently and compassionately. You will play a key role in ensuring debts owed to the council are collected promptly while maintaining a professional and supportive approach to all customers.

Responsibilities

• Proactively trace debtors to establish current addresses and secure repayment.
• Negotiate realistic and sustainable payment arrangements in line with council policies.
• Administer and maintain overpayment accounts with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Update system records to reflect factual and current information.
• Collaborate with colleagues to reduce overall debt owed to the council.
• Signpost vulnerable or struggling debtors to appropriate debt advice and support services.
• Ensure all actions comply with relevant legislation, council procedures, and data protection standards.

Qualifications

• Confidence and resilience in challenging situations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to gain customer commitment.
• A firm but fair approach to debt recovery.
• Self‑motivated, persistent and target‑driven.
• Ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and professionalism.
• Excellent customer care and teamwork skills.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and solution‑focused mindset.

Closing Date: 12th December 2025

Please view JD here

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive anti‑racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement explaining in no more than 2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights can be found by Experience :

Employment Type: Full‑Time | Vacancy: 1