Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking a motivated and skilled Corporate Debt Recovery Officer to join our Business Rates, Debt and Transactional Services Team. This position supports the efficient, effective and fair collection of debts owed to the council, focusing primarily on the recovery of Council Tax arrears. Providing a professional service with the highest possible standards of advice, resolving cases as appropriate and ensuring demand is managed by working proactively with customers. The role would require you to take ownership of a varied caseload, applying your expertise to resolve complex debt situations, negotiate realistic repayment solutions, and apply relevant legislation confidently. You would be part of a proactive service that values early intervention, accuracy, and high-quality customer interaction. This role will include short-term project work in collaboration with the Council Tax, Welfare & Benefits team to primarily focus on proactively contacting taxpayers to collect payments. Subsequently, there is also an opportunity to apply to join the Council Tax, Welfare & Benefits Team through their vacancy on our website. We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who bring: Proven experience in debt recovery, council tax recovery, or a revenues environment. Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation and recovery processes. Excellent negotiation, communication, and case management skills. The ability to analyse information, make sound decisions, and work independently. Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office and case management systems. A proactive, solutions focused mindset with the ability to quickly fill knowledge gaps. This role will also support project focused recovery initiatives, offering opportunities to help shape and improve our approach to debt management across the council. The competency expectations for Grade D (level 1) and Grade E (level 2) are outlined in the accompanying job description. This is a hybrid role, which requires a minimum office presence of one day per week in our Civic Centre offices in Folkestone. The successful applicant will be provided with full training, which will require an increased office presence in the training period. Why Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council? We offer a comprehensive, people focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance. Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements. Generous annual leave: up to 31 days + bank holidays, plus birthday leave and Christmas office closure. Flexi-time scheme to support work-life balance. Local Government Pension Scheme Health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme. Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions Salary sacrifice schemes: cycle to work and lease car options. Corporate discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, days out and more. Great location: centrally based, close to transport links and free office parking. Our Values We’re proud of our positive workplace culture built around four core values: Customer First, One Team, Thinking Ahead and Performance Counts. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all backgrounds, including disabled applicants and the Armed Forces community Advert closing date: 23:59 on Monday 13 th July 2026. Please note: This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. Subject to a high volume of applications, an additional shortlisting exercise may be used. Interviews are due to be held in the weeks commencing 27 th July & 6 th August 2026. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jo Robinson - Business Rates, Debt & Transactional Services Manager: Jo.Robinson@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Attachments