Temporary Accommodation Court Officer | Income Recovery

Birmingham City Council; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident Leader

Job summary

Birmingham City Council is hiring a Court Officer for the Temporary Accommodation team. The role focuses on managing licence accounts, recovering arrears, and preparing legal documentation for enforcement actions, with court appearances as needed.

You will work with Income Officers, Legal Services and external partners to maximise income, ensure compliance, and support safeguarding requirements within a complex housing and debt-recovery framework.

Qualifications

• Experience of analysing financial information, accounts and arrears data to support decision-making.
• Proven ability to manage complex workloads and work under pressure.
• Excellent written communication for reports, legal documentation and court evidence.
• Strong IT skills with proficiency in MS Office and case management systems.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits and housing legislation relevant to temporary accommodation income recovery.
• Collaborative, proactive approach and ability to work with colleagues and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Manage temporary accommodation licence accounts, monitoring arrears and taking appropriate action to prevent debt escalating and maximise income recovery.
• Prepare and process legal documentation, including notices, witness statements, evidence bundles and court applications, ensuring information is accurate and complies with relevant legislation and procedures.
• Represent the Rent Service at court hearings and negotiations where required, presenting cases on behalf of the Council and liaising with legal representatives, customers and their advocates.
• Provide guidance to customers on licence obligations, legal processes, arrears recovery and payment arrangements, ensuring decisions and enforcement action are fair, proportionate and consistent.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and additional support needs, making appropriate referrals and working with relevant agencies in line with Council policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate account records and update case management systems with recovery actions, decisions, court outcomes and enforcement activity, ensuring information is complete and up to date.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, prepare performance information and management reports, respond to enquiries from Councillors, MPs and other stakeholders, and contribute to audits and service improvements.

Skills

Arrears data analysis

Complex workload management

Written communication

Verbal communication

IT & admin skills

Welfare benefits knowledge

Housing legislation knowledge

Collaborative approach

Job description

Birmingham City Council is hiring a Court Officer for the Temporary Accommodation team. The role focuses on managing licence accounts, recovering arrears, and preparing legal documentation for enforcement actions, with court appearances as needed.

You will work with Income Officers, Legal Services and external partners to maximise income, ensure compliance, and support safeguarding requirements within a complex housing and debt-recovery framework.