Income Officer / Administrator Godalming - 3 - 4 month temporary contract £20 - £24 per hour Hybrid role predominantly home working. Full time 37 hours - Monday - Friday - Office based - starting asap Service: Housing Team: Rent Accounts Reporting to: Rent Accounts Manager PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To deliver an effective income and recovery collection service with particular emphasis on the collection of charges for rechargeable repairs and other housing related recharges, such as Responsive Repairs, Void Works and Leasehold Service Charges. To collect rent and charges for leased and licence properties To raise invoices through the Councils financial system Recover former tenant arrears Support the prompt payment of invoices (mainly utility invoices) Deputise for the Rental / Systems administrator To ensure the service meets the Councils framework of quality standards, performance targets, budgetary control and legislative requirements. To support the Rent Accounts Team in delivering the Housing Service Plan. MAIN DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES Deliver an effective income and recovery collection service by maximising collection in line with targets, reducing arrears on a continuing basis through effective enforcement of the rechargeable repairs policy, procedure and systems. Raise leaseholder invoices and credit notes Prepare timely and accurate reports on cases, identifying trends. Prepare cases for legal action, serving appropriate notices and taking cases through the small claims procedure, attending court hearings and providing evidence as appropriate. Identify and implement good practice, ensuring that policies and procedures are effective, meet legislative requirements and are fit for purpose. Maintain up to date knowledge of all relevant administrative, legal and financial procedures. Contact and visit tenants and former tenants in their homes toachieve purpose of role. Contact former tenants and executors of former tenants estates in order to identify the most appropriate course of action with regards to repayment. Take payments over the phone and online. To advise the Rent Accounts Manager in respect of write-offs, keeping accurate reports and information in relation to these. Provide debt and welfare advice with regards to debt and signpost where necessary to other agencies. Liaise with external debt collection agencies to aid the recovery of debt. Work with and provide support and guidance to other teams within the housing service and contractors to identify rechargeable repairs and other items. Respond promptly and effectively to enquiries or complaints with regards to recharge matters in line with the Councils procedures. Support and deputise for the Rental and Systems Administrator in the administration of rent account direct debits and BACS Manage the payment of invoices, mainly utilities and senior living invoices, which will raising purchase orders (using the financial system) Undertake any other task or responsibility commensurate with the grade of the post and provide support and cover for other members of the Rent Team as necessary. DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE The role forms part of the Rent Accounts Team, comprising of a Rent Accounts Manager, 6 x Rent Accounts Officers, Homeownership Officer and a Rental and Systems Administartor. Collecting Revenue and Recharges for our circa 5,000 homes. Support the team in the collection of circa £32m per annum in rent and charges and other debts up to £300k Deputise for the Rental and Systems Administrator in the administration of direct debits - Value £1m per month Arrange the payment of invoices to the total value of £400K per annum AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY/PROBLEM SOLVING - DECISION MAKING / SCOPE FOR IMPACT Determine the appropriate recovery action to be taken in line with the Recharge Collection policies and procedures. Determine the appropriate recovery action for leaseholder debt Determine the appropriate recovery action for properties leased to other organisations An ability to make balanced and reasonable decisions under pressure with debtors in difficult circumstances is vital. PLANNING/ORGANISING/CONTROLLING Effectively manage conflicting and changing priorities. Plan and prioritise individual workload to meet deadlines to meet personal and shared targets. Effective use of systems available, such as Outlook to manage time and workloads. Commitment to team working across the service and the Council. CUSTOMERS AND CONTACTS INTERNAL Other departments within the Council, including other housing teams, finance and legal. Previous administrative experience within a busy office Extensive experience of using database IT systems