Debt & Deferred Payment Assistant

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Beacon House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB, Suffolk - Hybrid
• Salary: £26,016 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: up to37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

Posts available:

• Post 1: 37 hours per week
• Post 2: 25.2 hours per week
• Post 3: 37 hours per week

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Assistant in the Debt and Deferred Payments Team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

As a Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Assistant, you will:

• Act as the first point of contact for the team, handling telephone and email enquiries professionally and efficiently.
• Gather and process initial information for Deferred Payment Agreements (DPAs).
• Monitor debt repayment arrangements, identifying missed payments or review requirements and escalating concerns promptly.
• Work closely with the Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Officer to deliver a high-quality and customer-focused service.
• Draft and issue letters, emails, reminders and other correspondence, ensuring all communications are clear, accurate and timely.

You will need 

We're looking for a motivated and organised individual who has:

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.  

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team 

The Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Team is part of Suffolk County Council's Financial Inclusion and Advice Service (FIAS). We support adults who receive care and support from Adult Social Care by helping them manage outstanding debts in a fair, compassionate and proportionate way.

We're a knowledgeable, supportive and collaborative team that is passionate about delivering positive outcomes for the people we support. By sharing expertise, working closely with colleagues across the council and embracing continuous improvement, we help ensure some of Suffolk's most vulnerable residents receive the support they need.

We value flexible working, professional development and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, valued and able to thrive.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information 

Please contact Sarah Nivison for a casual conversation. You can her by calling 01473 265198 or emailing sarah.nivison@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read ourguidance for using AIto understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk  or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on ourReasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 1 November 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.  #LI-Hybrid 

About us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).