Reporting to: Income and Financial Inclusion Manager
Department: Housing Services & Community Engagement
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Place of Work: Enniscorthy Office, Unit 5D, Enniscorthy, Enterprise & Technology Centre, Milehouse Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Salary: Approx. DOE €45,000 P/A
ABOUT US
Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) is the national organisation representing, promoting and developing co-operative housing in Ireland. Since our foundation in 1973 we have provided over 8,300 homes through homeownership, shared ownership and social rented co-operatives. CHI currently manages over 5,300 homes across Ireland as well as providing a network of childcare services in our communities.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The purpose of the role is to pursue and collect income owed to CHI. To deliver services of high quality, replicating high standards continually, achieving, and exceeding performance targets.
The role will cover the Wexford & East Cork region and will have a contracted office base in Enniscorthy Office, Unit 5D, Enniscorthy, Enterprise & Technology Centre, Milehouse Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. CHI facilities hybrid-working (part onsite, part remote); however, the successful candidate will be expected to work onsite regularly and visit other CHI regions and offices when the need arises.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Income / arrears management
Rent Accounts and Sundry Debts:
Monitor rent accounts and follow procedure to ensure income is collected promptly.
Work alongside tracing agencies and debt recover agents to ensure income from former and sundry debtors is maximised.
Ensure customers and former customers are contacted at the appropriate times to secure rent payments and to address increasing arrears.
Prepare regular write-off and archive reports where debts are deemed not to be pursuable and writing back accounts where necessary.
Work effectively with the Contact Centre and other internal service areas in order to deliver a holistic package of housing related services to customers.
Legal Action:
Effectively prepare and present cases for the RTB.
Provide required documentation to Solicitors for court proceedings.
Welfare Benefits:
Provide accurate advice and assistance to customers in order to maximise income for customers.
Refer customers to internal and external agencies as appropriate.
Work proactively with Neighbourhood Specialists to identify customers who require home visits.
Represent CHI at external meetings including but not exclusive to Court User Groups, Local Authority liaison groups and meetings with Department of Social Protection representatives.
Financial Inclusion
Referrals:
Manage financial inclusion referrals, including visiting customers at their homes and on site, recording and measuring the outcomes.
Benefits and Debt Advice:
Support customers to maximise their income by assisting with benefit applications and help customers to make appeals when necessary.
Partnership Working:
Work alongside external partner organisations to ensure that customers have access to all available support and advice to bring about financially sustainable tenancies.
Be the organisation and customer contact with Department of Social Protection, supporting customers through their benefit claims.
Work closely with the neighbourhood team to ensure that local income, poverty, and deprivation issues are addressed.
Campaigns:
Contribute to internal and external publicity and communication campaigns in our neighbourhoods relating to financial inclusion.
Assist in the production and delivery of an annual financial inclusion action plan.
Training:
Deliver training for colleagues in Housing Services & Community Engagement and the wider business on matters concerning financial inclusion as and when required.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
Essential Requirements:
Knowledge and awareness of related housing regulations/ law.
Experience of dealing with debt collection.
Knowledge of welfare benefits.
Experience of developing partnership working with support agencies, local authorities, and community groups.
Good understanding of the social, economic, and political context in the neighbourhoods in which we operate.
An understanding of the RTB and Court rules and procedures, and relevant government legislation, for dealing with debt.
IT skills – Proficient in the use of Microsoft office.
Permission to work in Ireland.
Educated to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent.
A full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
Desirable:
Relevant professional qualification
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Salary Bands
22 Days Annual Leave + Public Holidays
3 Days of Annual Company Privilege Days
Hybrid & Flexible Working Options
Generous Company Pension Contributions with Life Assurance
Paid Sick leave Scheme
Educational Assistance Program
Paid Study & Exam Leave
SELECTION PROCESS
Please note that interviews for this position may take place anytime from the launch date to closing date until a successful candidate is found.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a CV and Cover Letter.
Co-operative Housing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.
All documentation received by Co-operative Housing Ireland will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018)