Debtors Officer

Job type: Full-time 35 hours, Closing date: Wednesday 11th November 2026, 23;59pm, Contract Type: Permanent, Salary: £41,739 - £43,014 per annum (SO1), DBS check required: Yes (Basic) Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants. Introduction Join Lewisham Council as a Corporate Debt Collection Officer and help deliver an effective, customer-focused service. You will bring debt collection experience or relevant transferable skills, a basic understanding of recovery principles, and strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills. You must work accurately under pressure and respond sensitively to individual What’s the role? You will manage outstanding sundry debts, investigate accounts, agree payment arrangements, resolve complex enquiries and disputes, and maintain accurate records. Working with council services and external agencies, you will maximise income through appropriate recovery action, prepare legal cases and represent the Council in court if required. What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including: Generous holiday allowance Local Government Pension scheme Flexible working and family friendly policies Season ticket and bicycle loans A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships Supportive staff networks What we’re looking for: Individual that will bring experience in debt collection or a similar customer focused environment, with basic knowledge of recovery legislation and court procedures. Strong communication, negotiation, organisational and IT skills are essential, alongside the ability to handle challenging enquiries sensitively and work accurately to tight deadlines. You will be confident interpreting legislation, analysing data and preparing reports, with a commitment to customer care, equality and a high-quality service. Location The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis. Special Condition This job is subject to a Basic Disclosure. The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed. For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Barbara.O'Neill@lewisham.gov.uk Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification Salary £41,739 - £43,014 per annum (SO1) N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof. Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response. Let’s stay connected, follow us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook X Instagram TikTok YouTube