Assessment and Recovery Officer

📍 Wolverhampton City Centre (flexible working available)
📅 Contract: Temporary until at least 16th November
💼 Directorate: Finance - Revenues & Benefits
💰 Grade 5 (salary dependent on experience)

City of Wolverhampton Council is seeking a highly motivated Assessment and Recovery Officer to join our Revenues and Benefits team on a temporary basis.

This is a key role focused on ensuring the right benefits are paid accurately and on time, while also maximising the collection of council income and recovering outstanding debt effectively and sensitively.

• Assess and process:
  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims
  • Council Tax and Business Rates liabilities
• Manage and recover outstanding debt, including:
  • Negotiating sustainable repayment plans
  • Determining appropriate enforcement action
  • Attending court where required to support recovery activity
• Provide excellent customer service through:
  • Face-to-face interaction
  • Telephone and written communication
• Handle customer enquiries professionally, including sensitive or complex cases
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures
• Support the wider team in service improvement and performance targets

We're looking for someone who is organised, customer-focused and confident working in a fast-paced environment.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support processing
  • Council Tax or Business Rates administration
  • Local taxation or debt recovery environment
• Strong IT skills and ability to manage high volumes of work accurately
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of:
  • Benefits, revenues, or debt recovery processes and legislation
• Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively

• IRRV qualification or NVQ in Customer Service
• Experience with Northgate or Agresso systems
• Knowledge of court/enforcement processes or insolvency cases

• A central Wolverhampton location with flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience within a local authority
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for development

• This role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check
• The Council is committed to equality, diversity, and corporate parenting

If you are passionate about delivering excellent service and have experience in revenues, benefits, or debt recovery, we'd love to hear from you.