Early Intervention Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £27,017.04 Per Annum (£29,687.93 is achieved after 12 months successful performance in the role) Per Annum
Working Hours : 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday (10:30am to 6pm)
Location: Leicester
If you share our values and are excited about making a significant impact at Riverside, please ensure you attach a current CV and covering letter. At Riverside we recruit to potential not just on skills and experience, so we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the essential criteria on the job description.
Please note that whilst we will accept applications on the basis of any form of valid legal permission to work in the UK, we will be surrendering the Riverside Sponsorship licence, so for the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to apply for any further sponsorships whether on behalf of existing colleagues or candidates.
The difference you will make as an Early Intervention Officer
The role holder will support the Income Collection function to maximise and sustain rental income and other debts including former tenant arrears and rechargeable repairs and garage arrears by carrying out early intervention & prevention activity such as providing advice around claiming Universal Credit, processing UC claims in the DWP portal, encouraging rent in advance, setting up digital payment methods and managing Income collection administration such as preparation of court packs.
You will also prevent arrears from escalating by supporting campaigns, managing proactive contact with customers who go into arrears and managing payment arrangements.
This role will also include working on Home Ownership accounts so experience in this would be advantageous.
About you
We are looking for someone with:
- Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base.
- Effective negotiation skills, managing business and customer requirements to a mutually agreeable solution.
- Proven track record of problem solving.
- Ability to remain calm in a pressurized environment.
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.
Why Riverside?
At Riverside, we’re a housing association with a difference – enhancing the everyday for all our customers. For 90 years, we’ve been revitalising neighbourhoods and supporting communities by providing the homes they need to live full, fulfilling and rewarding lives.
We have a portfolio of over 75,000 affordable residential and retirement homes across the UK. Our work ranges from homelessness services to social care, employment support to retirement living, and we need the best people on board to help us.
Working with us, you’ll enjoy:
- Competitive pay & generous pension
- 28 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options available
- Investment in your learning, personal development and technology
- A wide range of benefits
Diversity and Inclusion at Riverside:
We are inclusive. At Riverside, we value diversity in all its forms. We foster a workplace where all individuals are respected, empowered, and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity drives our success and enriches the lives of our customers and colleagues.
Riverside is a Disability Confident Employer and operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for any applicant who declares they have a disability. If the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the role (as set out in the role profile and/or person specification) they will be guaranteed an interview.
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to be considered Role Profile
- Manage a caseload of pre-court arrears, using early intervention and prevention methods to minimise arrears escalating. Ensure prompt and effective outcomes in accordance with policy and procedure, applying the right intervention at the right time, working in collaboration with Income Officers, Housing Services and Tenancy Sustainment Services.
- Manage other low level sundry debts caseloads owed to Riverside which could include garages, recharges, court costs etc
- Manage proactive customer contact delivered via a variety of digital and traditional methods including telephone, letter, e-mail and text.
- Discuss cancelled/expired payment arrangements making affordable agreement which take into account customer income and expenditure. Promote digital payment methods including direct debits and recurring card payments.
- Advise on how to claim benefits and grants which will support residents to make rent payments.
- Monitor the timely receipt of payments for new tenancies and make contact with customers as early as possible to discuss payment options and identify any customer or tenancy support needs, making referrals where appropriate to tenancy sustainment services and other third parties.
- Work in partnership with Income Collection Officers and Housing Services, providing support where required to successfully deliver the right outcomes.
- Carry out account administration including balance transfers, tenant refunds, and write-offs in accordance with legislation and our policies and procedures.
- Support income collection targets and campaigns including, direct debit promotion, static arrears campaigns, rent in advance, text and e-mail campaigns.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
- Respond flexibly to any necessary changes in work priorities and undertake other duties when required to support the effective operation of the service.
- Ensure that all data protection requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
- Ensure that health and safety requirements are met in accordance with the Group’s policy, procedures and statutory requirements.
Person specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
- Customer focused with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, showing the ability to meet the needs of a varied customer base.
- Effective negotiation skills, managing business and customer requirements to a mutually agreeable solution.
- Proven track record of problem solving.
- Ability to remain calm in a pressurized environment.
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure, deliver to strict deadlines and manage conflicting priorities
- Excellent team player who can work flexibly to meet business requirements
Desirable
- Experience of working in a housing environment.
- Experience of working in a debt collection call centre.
- Knowledge of Universal Credit
Recommended Jobs
Science Teacher - Leicester
Are you a passionate Science Teacher looking to join a supportive and ambitious school? A high-performing secondary school in Leicester is seeking a Science Teacher for January 2026. About the…
Corporate Trainer (Engineering)
Just Recruitment is working with a growing business at the forefront of their sector - they are looking to add a Corporate Trainer to their long standing team. The main purpose of this role is to o…
Corporate Tax Assistant Manager - Leicester
Corporate Tax Assistant Manager - Leicester Clark Wood have been instructed on a Corporate Tax Assistant Manager opportunity in Leicester, which offers the chance to focus on interesting advisory …
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Law
The University of Law and the University of Leicester are launching an exciting new strategic partnership, bringing industry-leading postgraduate legal training directly onto Leicester’s campus from …
L/SL Paramedicine (Leicester, GB, LE1 9BH)
L/SL Paramedicine (Leicester, GB, LE1 9BH) Job Reference: 444 Job Title: L/SL Paramedicine Job Location: Gateway House Full-time/Part-time: Part-time Employee Weekly…
Activities Coordinator
Activities Coordinator When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be rev…
Nursery Room Leader
Role Overview: Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK As a Room Leader at Busy Bees, you will oversee multiple rooms and ensure that educational strategies are seamlessly int…
Finance Officer - Secondary School, Leicester
A well-established and forward-thinking secondary school in Leicester is seeking a skilled and reliable Finance Officer to join its business and operations team. This is a key role within the sch…
DT Teacher - Independent School - Leicester - January 2026
Are you an enthusiastic DT Teacher looking for a new challenge in a strong Independent School? A top Independent School in Leicester is seeking a DT Teacher for January 2026. About the Role: …
English Teacher - Leicester - January 2026
A high-performing 11–18 secondary school in Leicester is seeking an enthusiastic and reflective Teacher of English to join its dynamic English faculty from January 2026 . This Good Ofsted-rat…