As a service we take pride in our work by valuing others, focusing on what's important so that we make a real and positive difference. Our values are outlined in our Ways of Working and our Guiding Principles and if they reflect how you are and how you work then this could be the role that meets your expectations.

What is the role?

You will be joining a team of experienced Debt Recovery Officers who deal with customers who are in arrears with their Council Tax and Business Rates. This is a busy and challenging role. Teamwork is essential to achieving our goal of maximising the prompt collection of monies that help to fund the services the Council provides to the local community.

You will need strong negotiation skills and the ability to deal firmly with difficult and sensitive situations. You will be working directly with customers on a daily basis in person, on the telephone and in writing so effective communication skills are also a must.

What does the role involve?

• Effective collection of outstanding Council Tax and Business Rates • Dealing with customer enquiries by correspondence, telephone and in person • Proactively chasing debtors for payment of outstanding debts by telephone, correspondence and in person • Discussing and interpreting customers' personal financial circumstances • Producing recovery documents, correspondence and court papers • Dealing with queries from external Enforcement Agents (bailiffs) on enforcement actions being taken for unpaid debts • Investigating queries to bring about satisfactory resolutions • Negotiating, setting up and monitoring payment arrangements in accordance with the debt recovery policy • Setting up and monitoring Attachments of Benefits and Attachments of Earnings • Checking of work being referred to external Enforcement Agent (bailiff) companies and dealing with any related queries • Conducting traces on absconded debtors • Giving general advice to customers on debt matters including liaising with the Housing Debt Advisers and the Citizen Advice Bureau • Working closely with the Local Taxation section to ensure that relevant information regarding the debt is given to the debtor • Maintaining accurate computerised and paper records, in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act



Who is the person?

You will need:

1. Experience of working in debt recovery or credit control 2. Experience of working in Council Tax/NDR billing or debt recovery would be an advantage 3. Knowledge of Local Taxation and NDR legislation would be an advantage 4. Knowledge of Council Tax Billing or Debt Recovery would be an advantage 5. Knowledge of Accounts Receivable or Debt Recovery systems such as Northgate would be an advantage 6. To be competent with the use of IT, including Microsoft Office and be keen to use the latest technology 7. Experience of dealing directly with the public, in sometimes challenging situations, possessing strong customer service skills 8. Strong proven negotiation skills, in order to negotiate robust and sustainable payment arrangements 9. To understand what it is to be part of a team, how to develop your role within the team and work in the team's best interests 10. Excellent problem solving skills 11. The ability to work in a pressurised environment whilst remaining calm and even tempered and be able to diffuse difficult situations 12. The ability to prioritise and effectively manage your own workload 13. The ability to communicate effectively with customers by telephone, in writing and in person, and to achieve position outcomes 14. To be able to work to targets demonstrating competence 15. To be able to form relationships with other departments and services 16. A positive outlook and a flexible approach to work 17. An understanding of Data Protection and keeping data secure

Closing: 12:00 noon on 14th September 2015 Assessment/Interviews will take place on the 29th September 2015