Housing Income Officer | Job in Rutland

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual for the role of Housing Income Officer. This is a crucial position within our team that plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial stability of our housing services.

• *Income Management:

Oversee the effective management of all income streams related to our housing services, including rent, service charges, and other associated fees.

• *Arrears Reduction:

Implement strategies to reduce outstanding debt and arrears, ensuring a prompt and professional approach to debt recovery.

• *Benefit Entitlement Support:

Assist tenants in claiming the appropriate benefits and support them in managing their income effectively.

• *Policy Compliance:

Ensure all income management practices comply with relevant laws, regulations, and organisational policies.

• *Tenancy Sustainment:

Work collaboratively with tenancy sustainment officers to maintain tenancies, minimising the risk of eviction and ensuring a stable housing environment for our tenants.

• *Reporting:

Produce accurate and timely reports on income streams, arrears, and other relevant data to inform strategic decision-making.

• Proven experience in housing income management or a related field.
• Strong understanding of welfare benefits and housing law.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
• Commitment to providing high-quality customer service.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages innovation.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our tenants and the local community. If you are passionate about housing, dedicated to providing excellent customer service, and ready to make a difference we would love to hear from you! Apply today and join our team in making a real impact on the lives of those in our community.

Key Responsibilities

In this role as a Housing Income Officer within our dedicated team, you will play a crucial part in ensuring the financial sustainability of our housing services by effectively managing and collecting rent arrears, while maintaining strong relationships with tenants and other stakeholders. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Rent Account Management:
• Collect weekly or fortnightly rent payments from tenants, either in-person or remotely, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.
• Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or queries regarding rental arrears or payments promptly and professionally.
• Establish payment plans and support tenants in need to bring their accounts up-to-date and maintain a positive financial standing.
• Arrears and Enforcement Action:
• Implement strategies for the recovery of outstanding rent arrears, adhering to all relevant policies and procedures while demonstrating empathy and understanding towards tenants.
• Collaborate with other teams, such as Welfare Benefits and Legal Services, to ensure appropriate action is taken when necessary for rent recovery purposes.
• Liaise with external agencies like bailiffs and solicitors where required in line with the organisation's policies and procedures.
• Tenant Engagement and Communication:
• Maintain regular and professional contact with tenants to discuss their financial situations, provide advice, and offer support as needed.
• Collaborate with other teams within the housing department to ensure that tenants are fully informed of their rights, responsibilities, and any changes in policy or procedure.
• Represent the organisation at meetings with tenants, housing providers, and external agencies, ensuring a consistent and positive image is maintained at all times.
• Administration and Reporting:
• Accurately maintain up-to-date records of tenant rent accounts, arrears, and repayment plans within the designated database system.
• Compile reports on tenant arrears, rental income, and performance against targets for the purpose of management information and internal audits.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of housing income processes by providing feedback, suggestions, and support for any relevant projects or initiatives.

Required Skills

As a Housing Income Officer in our team, you will be instrumental in maintaining and improving the financial wellbeing of our housing clients. The following skills are essential to excel in this role:

• Strong analytical skills: You should be adept at analyzing complex data related to income, debts, and financial hardships to create effective strategies for debt management and income maximization.
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with a diverse range of clients, understanding their unique situations and needs, is crucial.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook): You will be required to manage client data, generate reports, and communicate electronically using these tools.
• Knowledge of housing law and regulations: A comprehensive understanding of relevant laws, policies, and regulations related to social housing income management is necessary to ensure compliance and fairness in our operations.
• Strong organizational skills: You will be expected to manage multiple cases concurrently, prioritizing tasks effectively and meeting deadlines to maintain a smooth workflow within the team.
• Problem-solving abilities: The ability to analyze situations, identify potential issues, and propose practical, effective solutions is essential in this role.
• Empathy and patience: Working with clients facing financial difficulties requires a high level of empathy and patience to provide supportive and understanding assistance.
• Attention to detail: Accurate data entry, careful review of client information, and thorough follow-up are all crucial in ensuring the success of our income management strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively: You will be part of a dedicated team, so the ability to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and learn from colleagues is essential for our continued success.
• Continuous learning mindset: The housing sector is constantly evolving, so a commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on best practices, policies, and technologies is essential. Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of our clients, helping them maintain stable housing situations while working towards financial independence. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Ideal Candidate Profile

*Ideal Candidate Profile: Housing Income Officer *

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual for the role of Housing Income Officer within our team. This is a critical position in ensuring the smooth operation of our housing income management processes.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Responsible for the accurate and timely collection of rents, service charges, and other associated payments from tenants.
• Liaise with residents, providing guidance and support on payment plans, arrears, and debt management options.
• Maintain up-to-date records of income received and any arrears, ensuring accurate data input and regular reporting.
• Collaborate with other teams such as Neighbourhood Services, Legal, and Repairs to ensure effective resolution of tenant payment issues.
• Carry out home visits as required to discuss tenant financial situations, monitor property conditions, and identify potential risks.
• Assist in the development and implementation of income strategies to maximise income streams and minimise arrears.

*Qualifications & Skills: *

• Proven experience in a housing income or debt management role is essential.
• Strong numerical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Experience using property management software would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to engage effectively with tenants from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrable problem-solving abilities and an ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• A proactive and flexible approach with a commitment to providing excellent customer service at all times.
• Knowledge of housing law, particularly in relation to rent collection, is desirable. This is a full-time position offering competitive salary and benefits. We actively encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, as we strive to create an inclusive working environment that reflects the communities we serve. If you are passionate about housing, have excellent people skills, and possess the ability to work effectively in a busy team we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application, including a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role and a current CV, by the closing date specified on our careers website. Good luck with your application! We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our team.

Professional Development

As a Housing Income Officer within our team, you will have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Our organization is committed to investing in the development of our staff, providing a range of training programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities to help you reach your full potential. Our comprehensive onboarding process will ensure that you have a smooth transition into your new role. You will receive thorough training on our systems, policies, and procedures, as well as hands-on experience working with tenants and their accounts. Ongoing training sessions will be provided to keep you updated on any changes or updates within the housing sector. Throughout your career with us, you will have access to a variety of workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing your knowledge and skills. These events cover topics such as debt management, tenant support, and financial inclusion. By attending these sessions, you will not only improve your ability to perform your role effectively but also expand your professional network within the housing sector. To further support your development we offer a mentoring program that pairs you with an experienced Housing Income Officer within our team. Your mentor will provide guidance, share insights, and help you navigate any challenges you may encounter in your role. Additionally, regular coaching sessions with your line manager will ensure that you are continuously working towards your goals and making progress in your career. We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for career growth within our organization. As a Housing Income Officer, there is potential to advance into senior roles such as Housing Manager or even Housing Services Director, depending on your performance and interest in these areas. We encourage you to discuss your career aspirations with your line manager and explore available opportunities for advancement. By joining our team as a Housing Income Officer, you will not only be making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve but also investing in your own personal and professional development. Our commitment to training, workshops, mentoring, and coaching ensures that you have the tools and support necessary to excel in your role and achieve your career goals with us.

The Company

Welcome to our organization a forward-thinking and inclusive housing provider dedicated to delivering quality homes and services across the East Midlands region. We are committed to improving the lives of our residents by providing safe, affordable, and well-maintained properties while fostering strong communities. As part of our dynamic team, you will play an integral role in ensuring the financial stability of our housing portfolio. Our Housing Income Officer position is a crucial role that requires dedication, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. Our organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We are passionate about our work and believe in putting people first in all we do. If you share these values and are ready for a rewarding challenge we would love to hear from you. Responsibilities of the Housing Income Officer role include:

• Liaising with residents to ensure timely payment of rent and other housing charges
• Implementing effective debt recovery strategies when necessary
• Providing accurate financial reports and data analysis to support decision-making processes
• Collaborating with the wider team to maintain a high standard of customer service
• Adhering to all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements The successful candidate will possess:
• Proven experience in a similar housing income role
• Strong numerical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of housing legislation and regulations is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlement, and a supportive working environment. We are also committed to investing in our employees' personal and professional development. If you are ready for the next step in your career and want to make a meaningful impact on people's lives, apply today! To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter outlining why you would be an excellent fit for this role. The closing date for applications is . Interviews will be held shortly thereafter. We look forward to receiving your application!

Employee Perks

Joining our team as a Housing Income Officer offers more than just a rewarding career in the social housing sector. We value our employees and believe in providing a comprehensive benefits package to support their wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. Here's what you can expect:

*Competitive Salary

• : We offer a competitive salary that is benchmarked against industry standards, ensuring fair and attractive remuneration for your skills and dedication.

• *Pension Scheme

• : We provide a generous pension scheme with contributions matched by the organisation, helping you secure your financial future.

• *Work-Life Balance

• : We understand the importance of work-life balance. Our flexible working hours policy allows you to manage your schedule effectively and prioritize personal commitments when needed.

• *Training and Development Opportunities

• : Continuous learning is essential for career growth. We offer a range of training programs, workshops, and seminars to help you enhance your skills and knowledge in the housing sector.

• *Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• : Our EAP provides confidential support services for you and your family members, helping you navigate through challenging times. This includes counseling services, legal advice, and financial guidance.

• *Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

• : We prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees. This includes access to fitness facilities, wellness programs, and mental health resources.

• *Employee Recognition Programs

• : We believe in celebrating successes and achievements. Our employee recognition programs provide opportunities for you to be recognized and rewarded for your contributions to the organization.

• *Community Engagement Opportunities

• : As a Housing Income Officer, you'll have the chance to get involved in community initiatives and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. This could include volunteering at local events or participating in charitable fundraisers. Join us as a Housing Income Officer and be part of an organization that values its employees and offers more than just a job - we offer a career with purpose, growth opportunities, and comprehensive support to help you thrive both personally and professionally.