Housing Benefit Overpayment Recovery Officer

Fixed Term 18 months

We are seeking a proactive and resilient individual to join our Overpayment Team, dedicated to recovering Housing Benefit overpayments efficiently and compassionately. You will play a key role in ensuring debts owed to the council are collected promptly, while maintaining a professional and supportive approach to all customer

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively trace debtors to establish current addresses and secure repayment.

• Negotiate realistic and sustainable payment arrangements in line with council policies.

• Administer and maintain overpayment accounts with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Update system records to reflect factual and current information.

• Collaborate with colleagues to reduce overall debt owed to the council.

• Signpost vulnerable or struggling debtors to appropriate debt advice and support services.

• Ensure all actions comply with relevant legislation, council procedures, and data protection standards.

What We’re Looking For:

• Confidence and resilience in challenging situations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to gain customer commitment.
• A firm but fair approach to debt recovery.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and target-driven.
• Ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and professionalism.
• Excellent customer care and teamwork skills.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and solution-focused mindset.

Please view JD here

Closing Date: 18th October 2026

IMPORTANT: If you are an LBN member of staff and applying for this role as a secondment you should note that secondments are subject to the agreement of your current employing service. Please ensure that you inform your line manager of your intention to apply for the post in the first instance.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.