Description:
The Income Officer will work under the direction of the Income Management Manager within the Homes and Communities department to support the effective collection of rent, service charges, and other income owed by Trident Group’s customers. The role aims to maximize income recovery while supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor rent accounts regularly, ensuring customers understand their responsibility to pay on time and advising on preventive actions to avoid arrears.
- Conduct home visits or virtual meetings for income recovery or arrears prevention.
- Collaborate with the Income Management Manager and other officers to adapt policies and procedures to the Government’s Welfare Reform agenda, ensuring legislative and regulatory changes are reflected.
- Coordinate with Housing Benefit departments and the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure timely and accurate claims processing.
- Investigate Housing Benefit overpayment requests and attend Housing Benefit and Court user group meetings as needed.
- Partner with external agencies to enhance service responsiveness and income recovery.
- Assist in developing computer systems for monitoring, processing, and data collection.
- Stay informed on current legislation, regulatory requirements, and best practices related to income recovery.
- Carry out other duties as directed by the Income Manager and Head of Housing and Support.
Key Requirements:
- Maximization of income collection and reduction of arrears.
- Consistent review of Key Performance Indicators, targets, and benchmarks.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to promote, develop, and monitor Equality and Diversity requirements.
- Adherence to confidentiality standards as per GDPR guidelines.
Person Specification:
- Experience: 2-3 years in a social housing environment, including income recovery, and preparing court papers for County Court cases.
- Education: 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including maths and English, or relevant professional qualifications.
- Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of social housing issues and best practices in income management and debt collection.
- Knowledge of Housing and Welfare Benefits.
- Proficient in spreadsheets and various software applications.
- Familiar with legislation and regulatory requirements in the housing sector.
- Understanding of health and safety responsibilities, including lone working.
- Clean driving license and access to a vehicle.
Competencies:
- Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Methodical and accurate approach to work.
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills.