Recovery Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid and flexible working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Recovery Officer to manage the recovery of Council Tax and Business Rates, and benefit overpayments, working with customers to arrange affordable repayments and resolve complex cases.

You will apply relevant legislation, liaise with courts and enforcement agents, and strive to deliver an effective recovery service with a focus on professional customer support and compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in revenues, benefits or recovery environments, ideally within a local authority.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with customers.
• Ability to explain information clearly and resolve complex cases.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a varied workload.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of recovery accounts and take action to recover outstanding debt.
• Work with customers to agree affordable repayment arrangements and provide support.
• Prepare cases for legal recovery action and liaise with courts and enforcement agents.
• Apply legislation, policies and procedures to make accurate and consistent decisions.
• Respond to customer enquiries and resolve complex cases in a timely manner.
• Contribute to service improvements and help ensure an effective recovery service.

Skills

Revenues recovery experience

Negotiation skills

Strong communication

Customer service

IT skills

Job description

Salary: Grade 13, £26,847 - £29,071 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent role

Closing date: 21 October 2026

Join our Recovery Team and help support the delivery of vital local services across Somerset.

We're looking for motivated individuals with experience in revenues, benefits or recovery work who can provide excellent customer service while helping residents manage outstanding debt and financial commitments.

About the Role

As a Recovery Officer, you'll manage the recovery of Council Tax, Business Rates and benefit overpayments. You'll work with customers, partners and colleagues to agree payment arrangements, resolve complex cases and take appropriate recovery action when needed.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Manage a caseload of recovery accounts and take action to recover outstanding debt.
• Work with customers to agree affordable repayment arrangements and provide support where appropriate.
• Prepare cases for legal recovery action and liaise with courts, enforcement agents and other organisations.
• Apply legislation, policies and procedures to make accurate and consistent decisions.
• Respond to customer enquiries and resolve complex cases in a professional and timely manner.
• Contribute to service improvements and help ensure the team delivers an effective recovery service.

What You'll Bring

• Experience working in a Revenues, Benefits, Welfare or Recovery environment, ideally within a local authority.
• Knowledge of revenues, benefits and recovery legislation, regulations and processes
• Experience dealing with customers and managing sensitive or complex situations.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain information clearly.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions based on available information.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• This role is subject to a Basic DBS check.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Interviews are set to take place on Wednesday 11th & Thursday 12th November 2026.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Kim Slader (Recovery Manager) via email: [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the full job description here: TR0230 Recovery, Revenues and Welfare Officer.pdf

Ref: 1469/EF