At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable residents in managing their rent and preventing arrears.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a champion for diverse communities and public service.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while ensuring financial stability.
- Qualifications: Passion for community support and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 38748 - 39915 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
As a Temporary Accommodation Income Officer, you’ll be a key player in supporting some of Lewisham’s most vulnerable residents to sustain their homes. You’ll lead on rent collection for temporary accommodation, taking proactive steps to prevent arrears, maximise income, and provide early, effective support. This is not “just” an income role — it’s customer service, problem‑solving, safeguarding, and community impact all in one.
You will:
- Manage a caseload of rent accounts, ensuring income is maximised and arrears are tackled early.
- Work directly with residents to offer supportive, people‑centred income management.
- Represent the council in county court for possession proceedings when needed.
- Work closely with Housing Benefit, DWP, Social Services, Housing Options, and internal teams to resolve complex cases and prevent arrears.
In this role, you’ll manage a caseload of around 850 clients, working closely with colleagues across the organisation and external partners to help residents sustain their licences and non-secure tenancies. You’ll play a key role in supporting clients to pay their rent, reduce arrears, and move towards long‑term financial stability.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for:
- Someone with a passion about making a real difference to residents’ lives while helping to protect vital public funds.
- Able to thrive in a fast‑paced, people‑focused environment where every day brings a new challenge.
- Maintain clear, accurate records and prepare legal documentation in line with policy.
- Contribute to continuous service improvement by adopting best practice, excellent customer service, and supporting training where needed.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Able to travel to different sites / offices within Lewisham as and when required.
DBS - Basic Disclosure.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
The Borough of Lewisham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the children they serve. With excellent training opportunities and a strong emphasis on collaboration, staff are empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. Working in Lewisham not only provides a chance to contribute to service development but also fosters a sense of belonging through various supportive networks.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Borough of Lewisham.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Borough of Lewisham that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
