3 months contract with local authority

Job Purpose:

• Manage a patch of temporary accommodation accounts to ensure efficient collection of rent and service charges.
  
• Assist with housing benefit applications as needed.
  
• Make contact with clients, including appointments at the pre-notice and pre-legal stages for outstanding arrears.
  
• Work on the front-of-house counter for Temporary Accommodation income collection queries at the Hackney Service Centre.
  
• Refer vulnerable clients to support services.
  
• Identify accounts requiring possession action.
  
• Serve notice-seeking possession.
  
• Make representations to Legal Services on cases requiring possession hearings and request warrants as approved by authorized persons.
  
• Represent Hackney Council at possession hearings as required.
  
• Coordinate and attend evictions as required.
  
• Provide excellent customer service to customers contacting us in person, on the phone, or in writing to maximize income.
  
• Visit customers in their homes to discuss their accounts and provide appropriate advice and support.
  
• Provide customers with basic financial capability advice and signpost to other agencies as required.
  
• Work in partnership with other departments and agencies (DWP, JCP, Citizens Advice, etc.) to help customers sustain their tenancy.
  
• Work closely with Hostel Managers, Placement Officers, Homelessness Prevention Officers, the Lettings team, and other colleagues in the housing department to provide joined-up services to customers.
  
• Maintain accurate records in line with GDPR.
  
• Maintain a good understanding of welfare benefits and any changes that may affect customers’ ability to pay.
  
• Maintain a good understanding of housing legislation in relation to income collection.
  
• Provide cover for other Income Collection Officers during periods of absence.
  
• Carry out any other duties within the scope and grading of the post as requested by the line manager or Head of Service.
  

Vision and Values:

• Hackney Council aims to be a place for everyone, where residents and the workforce can be proud, celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels valued, included, and involved.
  
• We look for people who are: Proud, Ambitious, Pioneering, Open, Proactive, Inclusive.
  
• Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age, and marital status.
  
• We also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.
  
• We welcome those interested in flexible working and particularly encourage applications from disabled people, as this group is currently underrepresented in our workforce.