Housing Officer, Central Arrears Team, Based in Kinross and Pullar House, Perth - Internal

Job Description

Housing Officer - PKC12030
£30,727 - £33,843
Central Arrears Team, Based in Kinross and Pullar House, Perth

Please note: Only existing employees of Perth & Kinross Council may apply.

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen within the Central Arrears Team.

We are looking for an energetic, driven, and innovative individual for the role of Housing Officer.

You will be responsible for monitoring rent arrears within set targets, providing advice and assistance to maximise tenants’ incomes, arrange and monitor repayment plans.

You will communicate with our customers by using various methods of contact including face to face, telephone, home visits and through written correspondence.

You should have a good understanding of financial matters, with additional budgeting skills.

We are looking for a good team player who understands the need to work collaboratively with colleagues across housing and our external partners, recognising and valuing other people’s strengths.

You must be able to work on your own initiative in an organised and structured manner with minimal supervision.

You will be able to identify and resolve problems independently, offer solutions and work to a “Think YES” approach.

You will report to the Senior Housing Officer of the Central Arrears Team.

The standard hours of work for this role are Monday to Friday from 8.45 to 5pm but due to the level and the nature of the post, there will be an expectation that you will work flexibly, and this could include evenings and weekends for attending public meetings/events or other business critical tasks.

Whilst the base for this post is initially within the South Locality covering Crieff/Kinross areas, you will be expected to work in other locations depending on where the service needs are for rent arrears.

For purposes of connection and collaboration with colleagues and with the community we serve, our full-time employees work on site for a minimum of 2 days per week with the arrangements for part time employees being agreed on a basis which will ensure that they benefit to an equivalent degree.

Our FAQs on hybrid working can be found here Hybrid working FAQs.

We are committed to being a more inclusive employer - to ensure we can consider any reasonable adjustments, please either contact the recruiting manager to discuss any individual circumstances, discuss at interview or, if you prefer, after any conditional offer is made.

Requirements

You will be someone who wants to make a difference and is committed to providing a high-quality service to our customers.   

You should have a clear focus on the customer and ensure that you are committed to improving their experiences.  

You will have a non-judgemental attitude, be empathetic and sensitive to the needs of our customers. 

You should be able to communicate effectively. 

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated individual who is enthusiastic, innovative and creative. 

You should be someone who uses a coaching style to help others to find their own solutions. 

You should have the ability to have difficult conversations and resolve issues at an early stage rather than allowing them to develop.

As this role will have its challenges, it is crucial that you are resilient to deal with these and hurdles you may encounter, and that you have strength of character and are solution-focused to achieve the intended outcomes.

A good basic knowledge of Housing Legislation and professional best practice is required as well as a thirst for keeping your own learning up to date and be open to ongoing personal development.

Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation is necessary ensuring that this is factored into your own working practices and any dealings with customers.  

You will apply confidentiality appropriately, taking account of data protection and other legal and regulatory requirements.

You must have experience of working in Housing or other customer service setting and in particular debt recovery/income maximisation. 

You should have a good working knowledge of the benefit system and be qualified to CIH Level 3 or 4 Certificate/Diploma in Housing or be willing to work towards this or hold an equivalent level in a relevant discipline. 

You will be computer literate with proven IT skills and competent in the use of all Microsoft packages. 

You must hold a clean current UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work use to undertake this role, as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.

You will bring a positive energy; embrace change and work with the business to ensure optimum service is always provided.

The Individual

If you would like any more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Leigh Thow, Senior Housing Officer on 01250 871308 or at LThow@pkc.gov.uk

When completing your application for this post, please ensure that you provide contact details (including e-mail addresses) for two referees.  One should be your current or most recent employer.

Please APPLY ONLINE.  Facilities are available at all public libraries in Perth and Kinross.  If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments, please call 01738 475555 to discuss.

As part of our safer recruitment measures, any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of mandatory checks including eligibility to work in the UK, Disclosure Scotland or PVG, qualifications, references, and fitness to undertake the post.  This may also include an Overseas Criminal Records Check if you have spent time living overseas.

A healthy work life balance is important to Perth & Kinross Council and we provide supportive management and flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work life balance.  You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Some jobs may have been traditionally carried out predominately by one gender, but we would encourage you to apply if you meet the requirements, irrespective of your gender. 

Perth & Kinross Council welcomes applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists.  Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

At PKC our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of the Perth and Kinross Offer.  In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours.  Find out more about PKC and you could soon be joining our team!

Find out more about working for Perth & Kinross Council and living in one of the most scenic areas of Scotland  Jobs, careers and employment.

What we can do for you

If you are successful in a role with Perth & Kinross Council, you will have access to a range of benefits to help your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.