Income Recovery Specialist

Overview

Income Recovery Officer - Location: Reading. Contract: 12 Week Contract. Pay Rate: £18.45 per hour (PAYE).

We are recruiting an Income Recovery Officer to join a busy Housing team on a 12-week contract based in Reading. This role is suitable for an experienced housing professional with a strong background in income recovery, arrears management, and tenancy sustainment. You will help reduce rent arrears, support customers to maintain their tenancies, and recover income through effective case management, customer engagement, and appropriate legal action.

Responsibilities

• Take proactive action to minimise rent arrears and prevent debt escalation.
• Manage a weekly caseload of rent arrears, ensuring timely and effective recovery action.
• Contact customers through telephone, digital channels, and home visits.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within the Housing Management System.
• Support customers to maximise their income through benefits, employment, and financial advice referrals.
• Work closely with internal teams and external agencies including the DWP, Housing Benefit, debt advice services, Citizens Advice, and local authorities.
• Arrange direct benefit payments where appropriate, including Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.
• Prepare legal documentation and represent the organisation at court hearings relating to rent arrears and possession proceedings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, Pre-Action Protocols, homelessness prevention duties, and organisational policies.
• Monitor former tenant arrears and take appropriate recovery action.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to colleagues where required.
• Represent the organisation at local partnership meetings and attend occasional evening or weekend meetings as necessary.
• Keep up to date with changes in housing legislation, welfare benefits, and best practice.

About You / Qualifications

• Previous experience in income recovery, rent arrears management, or housing management.
• Good knowledge of housing legislation, welfare benefits, and arrears recovery processes.
• Experience working in a customer-focused, target-driven environment.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to engage positively with customers.
• Experience preparing legal documentation and attending court proceedings.
• Knowledge of support services such as the DWP, Housing Benefit, Social Services, Citizens Advice, Jobcentre Plus, and local support organisations.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and housing management systems.
• Excellent written and numerical skills.
• A full UK driving licence and access to transport, or the ability to travel efficiently to customer visits and meetings.

Additional Information

• Location: Reading
• Contract: 12 Weeks
• Pay: £18.45 per hour (PAYE)
• A Basic DBS check is required for this role.