Recovery Officer
Closing in 13 days (21 October 2026 11:59 pm)
Job details
Salary: Grade 13, £26,847 - £29,071 per annum
Employer: Somerset Council
Location: Taunton, Somerset,
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Closing date: 21 October 2026 11:59 pm
About the job
Key information
Join our Recovery Team and help support the delivery of vital local services across Somerset.
We’re looking for motivated individuals with experience in revenues, benefits or recovery work who can provide excellent customer service while helping residents manage outstanding debt and financial commitments.
What will I be doing?
As a Recovery Officer, you’ll manage the recovery of Council Tax, Business Rates and benefit overpayments. You’ll work with customers, partners and colleagues to agree payment arrangements, resolve complex cases and take appropriate recovery action when needed.
How You’ll Make a Difference
- Manage a caseload of recovery accounts and take action to recover outstanding debt.
- Work with customers to agree affordable repayment arrangements and provide support where appropriate.
- Prepare cases for legal recovery action and liaise with courts, enforcement agents and other organisations.
- Apply legislation, policies and procedures to make accurate and consistent decisions.
- Respond to customer enquiries and resolve complex cases in a professional and timely manner.
- Contribute to service improvements and help ensure the team delivers an effective recovery service.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
- Experience working in a Revenues, Benefits, Welfare or Recovery environment, ideally within a local authority.
- Knowledge of revenues, benefits and recovery legislation, regulations and processes
- Experience dealing with customers and managing sensitive or complex situations.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to explain information clearly.
- Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions based on available information.
- Strong organisational and IT skills, with the ability to manage a varied workload and meet deadlines.
What is in it for me?
At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK’s most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
DBS check
This role is subject to a Basic DBS check.
Supporting documents and information
- We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interviews are set to take place on Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 November 2026.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Kim Slader (Recovery Manager) via email: kim.slader@somerset.gov.uk
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.