Application
This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected. |
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Unit/s |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Negotiate to obtain payment of debt | 1.1. Information regarding whereabouts and individual circumstances of debtors is accessed in line with council procedures and legislative provisions. 1.2. All relevant customer details are confirmed. 1.3. Special arrangements for payment of debt are negotiated with debtors where possible to maximise probability of recovery of debt. 1.4. Agreements are documented, followed up and renegotiated as necessary. 1.5. Agreements are reviewed as necessary to take into account changes in debtor circumstances. |
2. Recommend action on bad debts | 2.1. Reported bad debts are analysed to determine appropriate debt recovery method. 2.2. Value of bad debt is assessed against potential cost and likelihood of recovery. 2.3. Appropriate action is recommended based on council policy and capacity to pay. 2.4. Doubtful debts are provided for at end of year, backed up by evidence. |
3. Take legal action as required | 3.1. Proceedings are instigated within delegated authority and in accordance with council policy and procedures and legislative requirements. 3.2. Disclaimers are included on rates notices as appropriate. 3.3. Information to support court action if required is prepared clearly, accurately and within time frame. |
4. Report on debt recovery | 4.1. Annual timetable is prepared for the issue of instalment and other notices. 4.2. Reports on debt recovery performance are submitted in accordance with Council requirements. 4.3. Style of report is consistent with purpose and intended audience. 4.4. Recommendations on policy changes and new policy development are made based on legislative requirements and improved debt recovery practices. |
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Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit |
Required Skills |
negotiation conflict resolution report writing analytical research and information gathering assessment of individual circumstances word processing. |
Required Knowledge |
council policy and procedures in relation to debt recovery debtors systems debt recovery methods (internal and those of an external agency) civil claims legislation local government legislation relating to debt recovery rates, fees and charges defamation legislation law of torts: negligence, harassment and trespass. |
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Evidence Required
Overview of assessment requirements | A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated |
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered | Selection of debt recovery method is based on council policy and capacity to pay. Accurate reporting of debt recovery is in line with council requirements. Implementation of appropriate debt recovery action is timely. Follow up is timely. Special arrangement agreements are maintained and reviewed. |
Context of assessment | Selection of debt recovery method is based on council policy and capacity to pay. Accurate reporting of debt recovery is in line with council requirements. Implementation of appropriate debt recovery action is timely. Follow up is timely. Special arrangement agreements are maintained and reviewed. |
Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units) | Prerequisite units: nil. Co-requisite units: nil. |
Method of assessment | The following assessment methods are suggested: observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding completion of workplace documentation third-party reports from experienced practitioners completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor. |
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance | This unit should be assessed over a period of time and across a range of variables including end of year arrears reports. |
Resource implications | Access to a workplace or simulated case study that covers key aspects of debt recovery process including: resources on debt recovery methods council policy and procedures legal principles, requirements and processes. |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Debts may include: | rates fines valid accounts issued for provision of goods and services. |
Relevant customer details may include: | correct name, address and telephone number other contact details. |
Negotiate may include: | take initiatives provide support reasons consider suggestions of others respond appropriately. |
Information regarding debtors may include: | current address financial situation history of payment responsibility for debt status of debt (current or non current) status of creditor (secured or unsecured). |
Accessing information may include: | advertising in local media council business papers information proffered questioning other people electronic or hard copy white and yellow pages land titles office electoral rolls company searches property inspections and visits. |
Changes in debtor circumstance may include: | changes due to government policy, particularly in relation to pensions. |
Assess value against cost may include: | minimum amount warranting legal action for recovery. |
Other notices may include: | reminder notices final notices notices prior to legal action notices of legal action follow up notices summons writs. |
Documenting agreements may include: | diarising notes memos formal agreements. |
Appropriate action may include: | abandonments writing off sale of land for unpaid rates payment by special arrangement court action involving an outside debt recovery agency involving an outside printing or mailing house issuing summons issuing judgements issuing writs garnishee tracing owners in-house debt recovery rent for rates against tenants. |
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Sectors
Unit Sector | Administration Units |
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Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.