Financial Inclusion Officer Richmond And Wandsworth Councils

Overview

Are you looking to join an expanding, hardworking, high-performing, and friendly team? If so, Richmond Council have the perfect role for you!

Richmond Council's Rent Collection Service is searching for a Financial Inclusion Officer to join Richmond Council's amazing team for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role is vital in helping to achieve positive outcomes for Richmond Council's tenants during these challenging times.

About the Service

The Rent Collection Service (RCS) is dedicated to collecting rent from all tenants of residential and non-residential properties, including garages and store sheds.

About the Team

You will be part of a high-performing and supportive team focused on providing the best services for Richmond Council's tenants.

About the Role

This fixed-term role is designed to help with specific projects aimed at maximizing the income of tenants affected by the cost-of-living crisis. The focus will be on utilizing data to gain insights, understand trends, and design new projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Universal Credit Migration Project by identifying affected tenants, providing benefit advice, setting up payment arrangements, and communicating through various channels.
• Using the Low Income Family Tracker to identify tenants eligible for Pension Credit and assisting them with claims.
• Managing Breathing Space Cases by identifying tenants entering breathing space and coordinating referrals.
• Running the Tenancy Training Project, including in-person workshops for new tenants.
• Assisting tenants in financial hardship with emergency food vouchers and applications for essential items.
• Collaborating with other Council teams to promote tenant wellbeing.

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Strong knowledge of welfare reform and the ability to provide welfare benefits and debt advice.
• Understanding of debt recovery procedures within a social housing environment.
• Familiarity with Safeguarding, General Data Protection Act, Health and Safety, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
• Excellent communication skills with sensitivity towards tenants’ vulnerabilities.
• Experience in organizing and delivering training and workshops.
• IT literate and capable of adaptive service delivery based on individual circumstances.

Company Culture

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are dedicated to inclusivity and diversity, valuing the unique contributions of employees from various backgrounds to enhance service delivery.

Richmond Council is proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let Richmond Council know.

Richmond Council is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some positions may require checks via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Benefits

Richmond Council offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 40 days of annual leave (including Bank Holidays).
• Flexible working options.
• A generous pension plan.