Income Specialist (Dublin Region) (Housing Officer)

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 7,000 homes across Ireland. 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 Dublin Region and will have a contracted office base in the CHI Blanchardstown office located in the Generali Building, Navan Road, Dublin D15YT2H 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. 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 alongside tracing agencies and debt recover agents to ensure income from former and sundry debtors is maximised. 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 + 3 Company Privilege Days Annual leave increase to 30 days linked to length of service Generous Company Pension Contributions (up to 12% employer contribution) Income Protection Paid Sick leave Scheme Educational Assistance Program Paid Study & Exam Leave Employee Assistance Program (EAP Scheme) Life Cover/Death in Service Paid Professional Subscription Hybrid-Working Free Annual Colleague Health Screening SELECTION PROCESS Please note that interviews for this position may take place anytime from the launch date until a successful candidate is found. How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a CV and Cover Letter. Due to the high volume of applications received, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applications. Only those suitable for this position will be contacted. 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)