The Role
PO4 | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity
We are seeking a resilient, proactive leader with expertise in Income Collection and Benefits to inspire and drive team excellence.
In this role, key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing end-to-end team management, including check-ins, performance reviews, and absence monitoring.
- Providing strategic guidance and developing innovative solutions for complex cases.
- Managing complaint responses to drive continuous learning and process improvements.
We are looking for an exceptional Temporary Accommodation Income Collection & Benefits Manager to lead an operational team dedicated to supporting vulnerable households, maximising income collection, and optimising benefit take-up.
Hackney is one of the most dynamic and progressive local authorities in the UK. We are a resilient, vibrant, and creative borough in the heart of London, with strong, diverse communities and a powerful set of shared values.
Over the past twenty years, the Council has built up first-class services, outstanding public infrastructure, and a reputation for excellence, innovation, and ambition. We are leading the way on essential work such as our fight for equity in Hackney with a particular focus on becoming an actively anti-racist borough. But the work doesn’t stop there, we are proactive in our approach to bringing fairness to all aspects of life including gender, neurodiversity and across the poverty divide.
About the Service
The Benefits & Homeless Prevention Service combines benefits administration and homelessness prevention into a single integrated framework. This holistic approach allows us to address complex housing challenges, maximise benefit entitlement, and support residents through difficult life transitions effectively.
About Us
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership: Provide daily management, direction, and support to a team of up to 11 Income Collection and Housing Benefit Officers.
- Income Maximisation: Oversee collection and benefit take-up strategies to reduce arrears for households placed in temporary accommodation.
- Legal Coordination: Lead and coordinate possession action and legal referrals with Legal Services when necessary, ensuring all pre-legal steps and protocols are met.
- Vulnerability & Support: Guide the team in handling complex resident cases empathetically, balancing firm debt management with compassionate support and signposting.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.
If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.
To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.
We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
This application process replaces a supporting statement.
Closing date for applications: 08 November 2026 (22:59)
Interview and assessment date: 03 & 04 December 2026
Key Accountabilities
We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our "PROUD" values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
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Team Manager - Benefits and Homeless Prevention in London employer: HACKNEY COUNCIL
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the SHEQ team, you will have access to continuous training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community safety. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, you'll enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
