• The Review Officer will support Lewisham Council’s Revenues & Benefits service by carrying out proactive recovery activity across Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry Debt.

• The role focuses on targeted customer contact, negotiating repayment arrangements, updating records accurately, and ensuring all recovery actions comply with legislation, Council policy and audit requirements.

• Carry out recovery activities in line with legislation, service plans, financial procedures and instructions from management.

• Proactively contact customers via telephone, email, SMS and letters to recover outstanding debts and maintain a clear audit trail of all communication.

• Negotiate and agree repayment plans, monitoring compliance and taking payments through the Council’s online system.

• Identify weaknesses in service delivery and suggest remedial actions to management.

• Ensure all work is completed within agreed procedures, timeframes and legislative requirements.

• Update Council records, maintain accurate databases and support internal and external audit standards.

• Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to support effective debt collection.

• Identify cases requiring further enforcement action, such as charging orders, statutory demands and debt relief orders.

• Prepare irrecoverable debts for write-off and ensure compliance with delegated powers and audit guidelines.

• Produce reports, statistics and handle system outputs as required.

• Adhere to GDPR and always maintain confidentiality.

• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, processes and technology.

• Support the review and improvement of working practices and procedures.

• Provide a high standard of customer service and promote the Council’s equal opportunities values.

• Carry out any other duties within Revenues & Benefits appropriate to the grade.

• Experience within Revenues & Benefits or debt recovery environments.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage customers professionally across multiple contact channels.

• Ability to negotiate repayment plans and manage sensitive financial discussions.

• Good understanding of Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and/or Sundry Debt.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, GDPR, recovery processes and enforcement options.

• High level of accuracy and experience maintaining case notes and audit records.

• Strong organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines.

• Ability to analyse information, interpret system reports and prepare statistics.

• Confident in using case management systems and online payment portals.

• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners.

• The closing date: 21/11/2025.

• This is a temporary, 30-week assignment working 35 hours per week at Catford.