Location
London Borough of Newham

Hours
Full Time - Fixed Term 18 months

Salary
£36,693 - £40,575 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and resilient individual to join our Overpayment Team, dedicated to recovering Housing Benefit overpayments efficiently and compassionately. You will play a key role in ensuring debts owed to the council are collected promptly, while maintaining a professional and supportive approach to all customers.

Key responsibilities include proactively tracing debtors to establish current addresses and secure repayment, negotiating realistic and sustainable payment arrangements in line with council policies, administering and maintaining overpayment accounts with accuracy, updating system records to reflect factual and current information, collaborating with colleagues to reduce overall debt owed to the council, signposting vulnerable or struggling debtors to appropriate debt advice and support services, and ensuring all actions comply with relevant legislation, council procedures, and data protection standards.

Experience
Confidence and resilience in challenging situations. Strong negotiation and communication skills to gain customer commitment. Experience in debt recovery or a similar role is advantageous but not essential.

About you
Self-motivated, persistent, and target-driven. Ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and professionalism. Excellent customer care and teamwork skills. Quick learner with the ability to adapt and meet deadlines. Flexible and solution-focused mindset. A firm but fair approach to debt recovery.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required; however, a commitment to professional development and a positive attitude are essential.