Income Officer

Income Officer
Location: Reading
Rate: £25.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 6-month Temporary to Permanent Opportunity
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Vox Consultants are currently recruiting for an experienced Income Officer to join a well-established housing provider in Reading.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in income recovery, rent arrears management and tenancy sustainment within social housing. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximising rental income while supporting customers to maintain their tenancies.

Key Responsibilities

• Maximise rental income through the effective recovery of rent arrears and other housing-related charges.
• Take early action to prevent arrears from escalating by engaging with customers promptly.
• Manage a caseload of rent arrears cases, ensuring timely and appropriate action is taken.
• Contact customers via telephone, email, letters and home visits to negotiate sustainable repayment arrangements.
• Provide advice and signpost customers to welfare benefits, debt advice, employment support and other relevant services.
• Maintain accurate records of all customer interactions using the Housing Management System.
• Liaise with Housing Benefit teams, the DWP and Universal Credit to secure direct payments where appropriate.
• Prepare legal documentation and progress court action where necessary, ensuring compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Social Landlords.
• Represent the organisation at court hearings and evictions where required.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies to support tenancy sustainment.
• Monitor former tenant arrears and ensure recovery action is taken in accordance with policy.
• Keep up to date with housing legislation, welfare reform and best practice within the sector.
• Support and mentor colleagues where appropriate and contribute to continuous service improvement.

About You

• Previous experience working as an Income Officer, Rent Recovery Officer, Income Recovery Officer or similar within social housing or a housing association.
• Strong knowledge of rent arrears recovery, tenancy management and welfare benefits.
• Good understanding of housing legislation, welfare reform and the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims.
• Experience preparing legal documentation and attending court hearings.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and work to performance targets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Housing Management Systems.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable.

This is a fantastic temp-to-perm opportunity offering long-term career prospects with a respected housing provider.

Apply today with your updated CV or contact Vox Consultants for more information.