Debt and Deferred Payment Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Beacon House Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5PB. Hybrid work
• Salary:28598 per annum (pro rata) plus 3.3% agreed pay rise
• Hours:37 hours per week flexible working options available
• Contract:Fixed Term Contract or Secondment for up to 9 months to cover maternity leave

As a modern and effective council we understand the importance of being flexible and well-connected in the ways we work. We focus our ambitions on doing whats right for people our partners and our communities both now and for the future.

The support and care we offer encourages and enables you to be the best you can be. To make a meaningful impact on the world around you.

To achieve a unique sense of pride in what you do why you do it and where.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

The Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Team represent the final stage of Suffolk County Councils Adult Social Care charging and debt recovery process.

Working closely with charging social work and finance colleagues as a Debt and Deferred Payment Officer you will take a balanced and person-centred approach combining effective debt recovery with compassionate support for adults and their families to achieve fair and proportionate outcomes.

You will:

• Undertake detailed investigations into non-payment gathering evidence reviewing financial assessments identifying discrepancies and ensuring charges are accurate and lawful.
• Conduct independent home visits using professional judgement to assess complex situations verify information identify risks and implement strategies that improve engagement and deliver positive outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with social work safeguarding and financial assessment teams to identify vulnerabilities capacity concerns safeguarding issues or changes in circumstances that may influence recovery decisions.
• Liaise closely with the Councils Litigation Team preparing and submitting cases for legal action monitoring ongoing proceedings and tracking progress.
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate case records ensuring systems are updated promptly repayment arrangements are monitored and follow-up actions are completed within agreed timescales.
• Provide clear and sensitive advice to adults and families on charging policies debt recovery processes responsibilities and available support options.

What you will need

Were looking for a motivated individual who has:

• Experience of conducting detailed investigations and analysing financial information.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex information clearly and sensitively.
• The ability to negotiate practical and sustainable payment arrangements.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience of working collaboratively with partners to resolve disputes and achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong organisational skills with experience of maintaining accurate records and managing a varied caseload.
• Resilience and professionalism when dealing with challenging or sensitive situations.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile which you can find in the How to apply section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Debt Recovery and Deferred Payments Team forms part of Suffolk County Councils Financial Inclusion and Advice Service (FIAS). We are committed to helping adults who receive support from Adult Social Care manage outstanding debts with the Council in a fair supportive and proportionate way.

We are a knowledgeable supportive and collaborative team passionate about achieving positive outcomes for the people we work with. By sharing expertise working closely with colleagues and embracing continuous improvement we help ensure some of the most vulnerable members of our communities receive the support they need. We value flexible working professional development and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were always searching for ways to encourage respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation as shown in ourWorkforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Sarah Nivison for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling or emailing

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template (Word).

1. Describe a time when you carried out a detailed investigation to establish the facts of a complex situation. What approach did you take and what was the outcome
2. Describe a situation where you successfully negotiated an outcome or agreement with an individual who was reluctant to engage. What techniques did you use and what was the result
3. Describe how you have managed a large and varied workload with competing priorities. How did you organise your work and ensure deadlines and quality standards were met
4. Describe a time when you dealt with a challenging or sensitive situation requiring resilience and professionalism. How did you manage the situation and what did you learn from it

Please note: Without a supporting statement your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills experience and ideas. If used inappropriately your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand whats acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team by emailingor calling.You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date:11.30 pm 20 September 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.#LI-Hybrid