Housing Debt Recovery Specialist | Flexible Hybrid Role

North Northamptonshire Council; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Employee Benefits Scheme

Wellbeing support

Job summary

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a motivated Housing Debt Recovery Officer to join the Housing Finance Team. You will manage former tenant arrears and other housing debts, balancing supportive budgeting with effective recovery actions and court processes where needed.

You will engage customers via calls, emails, letters and home visits, provide budgeting advice, and promote welfare benefits. A minimum of three years in debt recovery within housing is required, with strong communication

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years' experience in a debt recovery, income management or similar housing-related role.
• Experience working within a local authority, housing association or registered provider environment.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, debt recovery processes and County Court small claims procedures.
• Excellent communication, interviewing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and achieve successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of former tenant arrears, garage rents, service charges, rechargeable repairs and other housing-related debts.
• Contact customers by telephone, email, letter, office interview and home visit to discuss outstanding debts and agree affordable repayment arrangements.
• Carry out financial assessments and provide budgeting and debt advice to help customers sustain repayments.
• Promote welfare benefits, grants and other support available to residents experiencing financial hardship.
• Investigate and trace debtors, maintain accurate records and identify the most appropriate recovery action.
• Prepare and present small claims cases through the County Court and monitor compliance with court orders.
• Work closely with housing colleagues, legal services, external agencies and community partners to achieve positive outcomes for customers.

Skills

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

IT skills

Analytical skills

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English

Job description

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a motivated Housing Debt Recovery Officer to join the Housing Finance Team. You will manage former tenant arrears and other housing debts, balancing supportive budgeting with effective recovery actions and court processes where needed.

You will engage customers via calls, emails, letters and home visits, provide budgeting advice, and promote welfare benefits. A minimum of three years in debt recovery within housing is required, with strong communication