Rent Recovery Officer (6m FTC)

Rent Recovery Officer Salary: £40,369 + excellent benefits Location: High Wycombe Hybrid: 2 days in the office, 3 days from home Contract: 6‑month fixed‑term Hours: 37 hours per week 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’re looking for a Rent Recovery Officer to join our Income team on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract. This is an important role where you’ll help residents sustain their tenancies, maximise their income and manage rent arrears in a fair, supportive and professional way. About the Role As a Rent Recovery Officer, you’ll deliver a responsive and effective rent collection service, supporting tenants to stay on track with payments and access the right financial help. You’ll balance firm but fair enforcement with a strong commitment to customer care. You’ll work closely with colleagues across SettleParadigm, as well as external partners such as Local Authorities and the DWP. You’ll also attend court hearings and evictions when required, so confidence in legal processes is important. This role is ideal for someone who is organised, calm under pressure and able to handle challenging situations with empathy and professionalism. Key Responsibilities: Delivering a responsive rent collection service by phone, email, text and in‑person visits Supporting tenants to access Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and other income‑related support Carrying out affordability checks for new tenants Working closely with Local Authorities, DWP, Customer & Neighbourhood Officers and support teams Serving notices, preparing court applications via PCOL, attending hearings and managing evictions Providing regular updates on arrears levels, trends and KPIs Staying up to date with legislation and organisational policies Maintaining accurate records and case notes What We’re Looking For Must haves: Experience working in the social housing sector Understanding of Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and tenancy legislation Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) and confident written communication Ability to manage competing priorities and work assertively when needed A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use (court attendance required) Nice to haves: Experience attending court for rent arrears cases Knowledge of housing tenures such as shared ownership and assured tenancies Familiarity with county court protocols and possession processes For added brilliance: Experience in a similar housing income role Understanding of the challenges tenants may face, such as unemployment, ill health, bereavement, addiction or anti‑social behaviour A compassionate, solution‑focused approach 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: £ 40,369 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) Working Hours & Additional Pay 37 hours per week 09:00 - 17:30 Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 17:00 Friday 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: 22nd July, 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.