At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maximise income collection and support vulnerable households.
- Company: Hackney Council, a dynamic and progressive local authority in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fairness and equity for all.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in income collection and benefits management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.
Salary - Grade GBP £53,994 to £56, - PO4
Contract Type: Fixed Term / Secondment
Contract Length: 12 months
Contracted Hours: Full Time - 36 hours per week
DBS Required: No
Department: Climate, Homes and Economy
Service: Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service
Closing date: 08/11/2026
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.
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.
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.
Closing date for applications: 08 November 2026 (22:59)
Interview and assessment date: 03 & 04 December 2026
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;
- Unity and Diversity: where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behaviour.
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.
Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention in London employer: Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the community. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we offer opportunities for meaningful engagement in shaping public services that reflect our values of equity and diversity. Join us in making a tangible impact in one of London's most dynamic boroughs, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Hackney, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Hackney and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Hackney and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hackney, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Hackney.
