Rent Income Officer

Job Details

Hourly rate of pay: £17.72 - £19.19. Days and hours of work:
Monday – Friday. Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible. To start 1st March 2026. The post is based at John Muir House, Haddington (in the Revenues Service).

The role of the Rent Income Officer is to protect Council income streams and maximise collection levels whilst balancing the financial pressures faced by households. The successful candidate will assist with the charging and collection of rental income in line with policy and procedures, adopting a preventative approach to stop rent arrears accruing and ensure early intervention to prevent escalation of the debt recovery process.

The successful candidate will work closely with tenants to negotiate repayment of any debt accrued and to identify opportunities to maximise household income via take-up of welfare benefits and grants where eligibility exists. For serious arrears cases, the candidate will prepare cases for court action and, if engagement to recover debt fails, assist with evictions. The role also includes contributing to the development of the Rent Income team and service improvement work.

Essential requirements include experience in a customer-focused environment and the ability to work in a caring and empathetic manner with people experiencing financial difficulties. Experience with vulnerable people in adverse social circumstances and in a debt management environment is desirable. The candidate should be highly motivated with excellent communication, organisational and negotiation skills and be able to work remotely using Microsoft Office applications and other Council IT systems.

There is a requirement to travel to visit tenants and attend rent surgeries and meetings; use of a own vehicle and a current, full UK driving licence is required.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver an effective and efficient income management service ensuring the Council can fund high-quality Housing Services and support customers throughout.
• Contribute to service improvement and the development of the Rent Income team.

Job Requirements

• Relevant Qualifications
  : HNC/SVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge and/or relevant working experience.
• Driving Licence
  : A current driving licence and access to a vehicle required; reasonable adjustments may be made for disability.
• Level 1 Disclosure Clearance
  :
  This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to access the Public Sector Network; disclosure must be received prior to commencement.
• Note on overseas checks
  :
  If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outside the UK in the last 5 years, you may need to present an overseas criminal record check.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information visit the official council site. If you require assistance with the online application, contact My Job Scotland  support. If you need further vacancy information, please call or email as provided in the original posting.