Recovery Officer

Wokingham Borough Council has an exciting position available for a Recovery Officer to join our proactive recovery team on a Full time, Permanent basis.

As a Recovery Officer, you will handle customer accounts and ensure the timely collection of current and previous years arrears for Council Tax Business Rates, Adult Social Care Debt and Sundry Debt

You will be responsible for collating evidence and preparing cases for court hearings ensuring that they have been selected in accordance with the law and good practice guidelines. Our team has consistently achieved very high percentage collection rates, and you will help us to maintain our exceptional performance.

Benefits:                         

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of days 28 (rising to 33 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more! 

Key responsibilities

• To proactively pursue outstanding debt due to the Council including Council Tax, Business Rates, Adult Social Care Debt or Sundry Debt
• Process Council Tax and Business Rates (NNDR) debt from the issue of summons taking action to contact debtors and make payment arrangements
• Handling customer queries by telephone, email and by other means of contact
• Attend the Magistrates’/County Court as required
• Negotiating payment plans to ensure invoices are paid on time and that Council Tax/Business Rates arrears are brought up to date as quickly possible, allowing for the customer’s circumstances
• Monitoring customer accounts to ensure payments are being received and take action to progress recovery as appropriate
• Deciding on the most effective means of collection on an individual case basis

Candidate requirements

• Good written and verbal communication skills able to vary style to meet the needs of the audience
• Ability to take ownership and manage own workload to meet the demands of the service
• Willingness to learn with the motivation to succeed
• Ability to establish positive and effective relationships and work with partners, residents, businesses and other stakeholders
• Experience of having worked in Local Taxation, Adult Social Care and/or a Sundry Debts environment

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

If you think this role would suit you and you would like further information, please contact Gary Clarke (Recovery Manager) on 0118 237 8767, Frances Neaves (Senior Recovery Officer) on 0118 237 8040

Closing date for applications: 1st June 2025, 11pm

Interview date: TBC

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.  

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. 

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.      

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.