1. Andrea Bray
54 Gobions Basildon Essex SS16 5AX
0795 6894562 | 01268 525814 | andreabray2@btinternet.com
Driving Licence | Car Owner
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I consider myself a hardworking, highly organised and conscientious Officer
looking to develop my career within the Social Housing sector. Having
worked for my current employer for 12 years I have developed the skills and
gained in-depth knowledge that enables me to carry out my job in a highly
professional, yet sensitive manner.
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic individual committed to achieving the
highest standards in any given task, willing to learn new skills, with the ability
to prioritise and meet set targets when working in a wider group or on my own
initiative and goals.
SKILLS
•Excellent communication skills: daily contact with customers over the phone
and often face to face, regularly required to write reports which are detailed
and informative but at the same time concise and easily read.
•Strong IT skills: Orchard Housing Management system, Civica for viewing
housing benefit claims, Adelante payment system, ASH CRM, Lotus notes,
Microsoft Office, working knowledge of the PCOL system. Regularly assist
colleagues with IT issues and use my skills to prioritise my workload, time
manage and work efficiently and develop new ways of working and recording
information.
•Good industry knowledge; thorough understanding of welfare benefits
including the recent changes with the Welfare Reform Act and Localism Bill.
WORK HISTORY
Basildon Borough Council, Basildon, Essex
1992 - Present
Tenancy and Estate Management Officer – May 2012 to September 2012 and
July 2013 to present
I returned to the Tenancy and Estate Management team after the secondment
above. My role involves carrying out estate inspections and reporting defects
to the relevant departments within the Council. Requirements include dealing
with tenancy breaches and taking the appropriate action, be that serving
notices, issuing pet contracts etc as well as liaising with other departments
such as the Anti-Social Behaviour Team or Repairs department.

2. Income Collection Officer – January 2011 to May 2013 and September 2012
to July 2013
In this role I managed a patch of properties. This involved the monitoring of
rent accounts and taking action on arrears by following policy and procedure,
making contact by phone, home visits and letters. Early intervention to
prevent arrears accruing was a priority and making referrals for our tenants to
the CAB or Impact to obtain benefit or debt advice in order to prevent further
action. This proactive approach has been a focus with the recent benefit
changes affecting a large number of people who have never previously been
in arrears. I attend the County Court for possession hearings and have
carried out evictions with the County Court bailiff.
I worked closely with support agencies including Social Services, Family
Mosaic, and Community Mental Health Services to support tenants in
managing their tenancies.
Principal Housing Officer – September 2007 to December 2008
This role involved managing a small team of Estate Officers, monitoring their
arrears, signing off Notices and court applications. I was responsible for pre-
eviction interviews with tenants and sign-posting those to relevant agencies.
The team management aspects included carrying out 1-2-1’s with the officers
and dealing with HR issues such as return to work following sickness
interviews. I was responsible for identifying and compiling monthly statistics
on the relevant KPI’s for the team.
Generic Estate Officer – October 2002 to September 2007 and December
2008 to January 2011
Prior to the specialist teams being created my role as generic Estate Officer
dealt with both rent arrears and tenancy and estate management issues. I
also carried out sign-ups for new tenants moving into Council properties.
Housing Assistant – January 2001 to October 2002
My role as a Housing Assistant involved working on the public reception for
the Area Housing Office and dealing with any enquiries that came in, which
utilised my strong communication skills. I referred customers through to
relevant departments within the Council and organised appointments with
appropriate Estate Officers to discuss their issues.
I carried out a full range of administration duties as well as being responsible
for managing the allocation of garages from the waiting list, processing mutual
exchanges and arranging inspections before passing them on to the
Allocations department for approval and assignment.
EDUCATION
University of East London, Barking Campus
1996 - 1999
BA (Hons) 2:1
Communication Studies

3. South East Essex College, Southend
1994 - 1995
Access to Education Course
Basildon College, Basildon
1992 - 1993
A-Level Art
St Martins School, Hutton
1985 - 1995
8 GCSEs grades A to C
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
I am a member of the Girl Guide Association and run a Brownie Pack. I am
also the International Advisor for my County. I have been involved in Guiding
since I was a Brownie myself and have held various other roles over the
years. I have also been fortunate enough to travel abroad both as a young
person and led a group of Rangers on an International Camp in 2011 to
Denmark. I have attended many camps over the years including International
Jamborees, as a participant and as staff.
I am a keen crafter, often learning new skills, currently photography. I enjoy
cross stitch, card making and most recently have become interested in
beading and jewellery making.
I enjoy reading, listening to music and going to concerts and the theatre. I also
enjoy exercise classes and going to the gym.
REFERENCES
References are available on request
.