Rent Recovery Officer

As a Rent Recovery Officer you’ll play a key role in managing rent collection and arrears recovery, providing support to tenants to maximise their income and sustain their tenancies. We have a Permanent role & an FTC contract role of 12 months - with the possibility of extension or permanency. We operate a hybrid model of working role, with our base location is High Wycombe, Bucks, where you'll be expected to work a minimum of 2 days per week with the remainder at home/remote. You will also be expected to attend court hearings and evictions when required. Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future. We are seeking an organised and proactive individual with excellent communication and negotiation skills, who can handle challenging situations with professionalism and empathy. Rent Recovery Officers engage with a variety of internal teams and external agencies, balancing firm but fair enforcement with a commitment to excellent customer service. Key Responsibilities: • Rent Collection: Deliver a responsive rent collection service using various contact methods, including phone, email, text, and in person visits. • Income Maximisation: Support tenants in understanding and accessing benefits, including Housing Benefit and Universal Credit, while encouraging them to prioritise rent payments. • Pre-Tenancy Support: Conduct affordability assessments for new tenants during pre-tenancy checks. • Collaboration: Work closely with Local Authorities, DWP, Customer and Neighbourhood Officers, and support teams to ensure benefits are maximised and prevent homelessness. • Court Action and Evictions: Serve notices for arrears, prepare court applications using Possession Claims Online (PCOL), attend court hearings, and manage the eviction process with bailiffs. • Data Reporting: Regularly provide updates on arrears levels, trends, and progress towards KPIs. • Compliance and Knowledge: Stay informed about changes to legislation and organisational policies regarding rent recovery and tenancy management. Must haves: • Previous experience in the social housing sector. • Understanding of DWP benefits (Housing Benefit, Universal Credit) and familiarity with tenancy legislation. • Strong IT proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook), numeracy, and written communication. • Confident, assertive, and able to manage competing priorities effectively. • A valid driving licence and regular access to a vehicle for business use as there is travel required, such as attendance at court hearings. Nice to haves: • Experience attending court for rent arrears cases. • Knowledge of housing tenures, including shared ownership and assured tenancies. • Familiarity with county court protocols and tenancy legislation. For added brilliance: • Housing experience in a similar role would be ideal and an understanding of a range of issues that tenant might face when in rent arrears, for example unemployment, addiction, Anti-Social Behaviour issues, bereavement, ill health. An understanding and compassionate approach with a view to resolution. Benefits At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment. annual salary: £39,042 per annum 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice Family-friendly leave : Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover) Life cover and income protection Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide: Mental Health First Aiders available to support Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions) Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities Peer-recognition rewards platform Paid professional subscription (one per year) Our Commitment We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups. Accessibility and Adjustments We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required. Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form. Closing Date: 03 March 2026