Closing date: 15/06/2026
Salary: Grade 13, ranging from £25,989 - £28,142 per annum
Do you enjoy work where you can make a real difference to people’s lives while also helping your community thrive? As a Recovery Officer, you’ll be involved in the recovery of arrears and debt across council tax, business rates and welfare work, making important decisions that affect residents, local businesses, and the essential services we provide.
It’s a varied and rewarding role where each day offers new opportunities. You might be supporting someone through a difficult financial situation one moment, and the next, helping to recover income that funds vital services. You will also be working alongside numerous stakeholders, including our Enforcement Agents and Courts in the recovery of arrears and debts. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to improving how we do things and support new projects as legislation and priorities evolve.
At Somerset Council, you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative team that genuinely cares about the work we do and the people we help, making this a great place to grow and feel proud of what you do.
Role Summary
As our Recovery Officer, you will use your knowledge of legislation to make decisions across council tax, business rates and welfare support. You will ensure services are delivered fairly, income is collected effectively, and residents receive the support they need. By balancing individual circumstances with the wider needs of the community, you will help maintain the council’s financial stability and support the delivery of essential local services.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
- Assess and make informed decisions on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims, including discretionary payments, ensuring accurate and timely outcomes for residents.
- Determine liability, discounts, exemptions and reliefs for Council Tax and Business Rates in line with legislation, local policy and case law.
- Manage and support the recovery of council tax, business rates and benefit overpayments, including negotiating repayment arrangements and progressing enforcement action where required.
- Work proactively with customers - including vulnerable individuals - providing advice, resolving complex enquiries and signposting to appropriate support services.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners (e.g. DWP, enforcement agents, advice agencies) to share information, resolve cases and maximise income collection.
- Maintain accurate records across systems, process valuation changes, and ensure data integrity to support effective billing and collection.
- Identify and address potential fraud or error, referring cases appropriately and supporting investigations where required.
- Prepare cases for legal action, including court proceedings, and represent the council where necessary.
- Contribute to service improvements, projects and changes in legislation, helping to enhance processes and customer outcomes.
What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills
Essential
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of Revenues and/or Benefits legislation, financial and recovery legislation, regulations and processes within a local government context.
- Broad knowledge of council service systems and procedures.
- In-depth understanding of property valuation principles and their impact on Council Tax and Business Rates liability.
- Significant experience working in Revenues, Welfare and Benefits within a local authority, interpreting and applying complex legislation.
- Experience of working in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment dealing with complex or sensitive enquiries.
- Experience managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes to deadlines.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Ability to respond to written, verbal and telephone enquiries in a professional and helpful manner.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Strong IT skills, including the use of revenues and benefits systems and data management tools.
- Empathy and the ability to work effectively with vulnerable customers.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above), or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- Experience of working with external agencies such as government bodies, solicitors or partner organisations.
- Experience of providing advice, coaching or mentoring to colleagues.
- IRRV qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
- Ability to identify opportunities for service improvement and contribute to process changes.
- Strong organisational skills, including managing demanding workloads and meeting deadlines.
- A systematic approach to problem-solving, including suggesting and implementing practical solutions.
Additional Information
- Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week).
- 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 5 years’ service (additional to Bank Holidays).
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
- Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact William Walsh, Business Rates Manager, on 01823 219713 or [email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via [email protected]
