Durham County Council is a forward looking Council that recognises the need for passionate people who share our enthusiasm to deliver fantastic services to the varied communities, people, and businesses of County Durham.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
If you have experience of dealing with members of the public in a caring and supportive manner and want to make a real difference to our residents, then we want to hear from you.
You will provide administrative support and assist Enforcement Agents in the day-to-day operation of the service as well as engaging with customers directly over the telephone and via written correspondence.
Our customers are not always able to pay amounts owed when asked to, so you will discuss the options available to them over the telephone, in writing and occasionally face to face such as payment arrangements and signposting them to agencies that will help them with their finances to maximise their income.
This role is customer facing and you are required to speak to members of the public, the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. This is not a community based post and you will not be expected to undertake visits.
This post does require a flexible approach to working with some shift working as well as some Saturday shifts.
We encourage you to contact Kirsy Evans via email at kirsty.evans@durham.gov.uk for an informal discussion about this role.
WHAT WILL I NEED:
You should have good organisational, numerical and negotiation skills and an NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification OR Experience in Debt collection, Enforcement, or similar environment.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:
From day one you will receive full training, support, and mentoring, not only from your managers but also from your colleagues. The training will complement and develop the skills you already have. We are a supportive and enthusiastic team responsible for the Collection and Enforcement of monies owed to the Council.
REWARDS AND BENEFITS:
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
1. Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
2. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
3. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
4. Hybrid working (home and office working).
5. Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
6. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
7. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
8. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
9. Discounted DCC gym membership.
10. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
11. Trade Union membership.
12. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
HYBRID WORKING:
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION:
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
INTERVIEWS:
It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 17th February 2025.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY:
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email RecruitmentResources@durham.gov.uk.
We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice.
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