Debt Recovery Officer

3 months contract with a South London based Local Authority

Job Summary:

The Shared Finance Service ambition is to add value inspire success and this role is part of the Shared Finance Service (SFS) team collectively responsible for delivering SFS activities to realise this ambition.

This role will work for either the Kingston or Sutton ASC Finance Team to manage ASC income and debts maximising the daily income collection and debt management through effective responsive processing activity.

The postholder will be the lead expert for the Council in ASC Income recovery and will be responsible for managing other officers to maximise income collection in a manner that is ethical and empathetic to customer needs.

Key Duties/Accountabilities:

Deliver service activities and manage small caseloads under the supervision of more experienced staff to ensure intended outcomes for customers and the Council are delivered within agreed service standards.

Responsible for managing collection of ASC Income and effective debt recovery for this large and complex service area.

Be responsible for the collection of ASC legacy debt in line with Council policies and the ASC Charging Policy.

Maintain an extensive and up to date knowledge of statutory charging for residential care and nonresidential charging policy and procedures Government regulations and guidance other ociated welfare benefits and IT systems and be fully conversant with and up to date with emerging legislation in particular with regards to the Care Act and the impact on Debt Recovery Legislation.

Provide expert advice and information to the rest of the team and ASC colleagues regarding legacy debt management.

Attend senior management meetings to inform of progress throughout the lifetime of the project.

Negotiate acceptable levels of payment of invoices.

with clients taking into account their financial cirstances and the Council s and Central Government policy and procedures.

Obtain a full understanding of the Council s and Government schemes to provide clear advice to customers and other interested parties. At all times dealing in an efficient and sympathetic way with sometimes difficult or distressed members of the public.

To advise customers to ensure they receive all benefits and services they are entitled to. Referring customers to the appropriate Government department internal or external advice agency as appropriate.

Provide accurate and timely debt monitoring information to the Adult Social Care directorate to support effective financial management and maximisation of income to the Council.

Manage the process for the application for County Court representing the Council in Court hearings. Preparing doentation for referring cases to the Legal Services Department where appropriate. To monitor and review subsequent action.

Providing the Prosecution Officer with statements of repayment for court. Taking follow up action from Court Orders granted which may involve further Court intervention.

Monitor payments and accurately record costs/interest/penalties.

Manage identify and schedule write offs preparatory to authorisation and process in accordance with Financial Regulations and Corporate Debt Policy.

Maintain and implement policies related to the collection of ASC Debts

Support project planning and project management effectively to introduce pilot and evaluate new or upgraded systems or processes.

Ensure staff are trained capable managed and supported to deliver flexible financial services being adaptable in response to unplanned priorities.

Respond to internal and external audit queries Freedom of Information Requests or other enquiries as needed.

Work effectively with colleagues in the ASC Finance team to provide consistently highquality financial services to ASC colleagues and customers.

Work closely with colleagues in the ASC Finance team for the partner borough with the Shared Finance Service to share best practice and effective ways of working and to foster a continuous improvement approach to service delivery.

Consistently achieves performance targets and celebrates success with team.

To develop update and act on Personal Development Plans as discussed and agreed with the line manager.

Demonstrate strong and confident leadership of the Shared Finance Service inspiring team to deliver partnership working across both councils.

Interface directly with external and internal customers to manage delivery priorities issues and challenges.

Engage in partnership working with our Legal Service for improved recovery and enforcement processes.

Essential Experience Required:

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (including English & Maths) or equivalent (IRRV/Benefits Technician).

Experience of the Care Act and charging policies in a large finance operation.

Experience of supervising staff.

Able to work effectively under pressure organise priorities and in a lone working environment.

Able to effectively deal with potentially aggressive/volatile situations involving customers and members of the public.

Experience of planning and delivering training sessions.

Experience of working in a customerfocused environment and achieving successful outcomes in the delivery of services that meet customer needs.

Additional information to note:

Initially 5 days in the office reducing to 2 when fully trained no scope for full remote working.

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

The closing date for this position is Friday 07/10/2024.