Temporary Accommodation Income Officer
Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Temporary 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
L

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: Flexible working, local government pension, staff discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while ensuring financial stability for the community.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; passion for customer service and problem-solving.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ 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:
  • 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.

Special conditions:

  • GCSE passes in Maths and English
  • Able to travel to different sites as and when required
  • The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

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.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs.

Temporary Accommodation Income Officer employer: Lewisham Youth Service

Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of its diverse community. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to vital public services. The Council's focus on inclusivity and community support, combined with excellent benefits such as a Local Government Pension scheme and staff discounts, makes it an attractive workplace for those passionate about social change.
L

Contact Detail:

Lewisham Youth Service Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Temporary Accommodation Income Officer. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for helping residents sustain their homes.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or others in the field on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This could give you valuable insights and even a foot in the door!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and problem-solving. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the Lewisham community. Don’t miss out!

We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Customer Service
Problem-Solving Skills
Income Management
Case Management
Communication Skills
Record Keeping
Legal Documentation Preparation
Collaboration with External Partners
Financial Stability Support
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Continuous Service Improvement
Knowledge of Housing Benefit and DWP Processes
Safeguarding Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference in our vibrant community, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for.

Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the role of Temporary Accommodation Income Officer. We want to know how you meet each of the person specification criteria, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for helping residents.

Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps, and make sure your writing is easy to read. We’re looking for clarity in your communication, just like you’ll need in this role!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to help you along the way. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Youth Service

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you understand the role of a Temporary Accommodation Income Officer. Familiarise yourself with rent collection processes, arrears management, and the importance of customer service in this position. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and preparedness.

✨Showcase Your People Skills

This role is all about supporting vulnerable residents, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with people in challenging situations. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and any experience you have in customer service or community work to demonstrate your fit for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life scenarios, such as dealing with difficult clients or managing arrears. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you made a positive impact, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.

✨Understand the Bigger Picture

Research Lewisham Council's initiatives and values, especially their commitment to supporting refugees and migrants. Showing that you align with their mission and understand the community's needs will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.

Temporary Accommodation Income Officer
Lewisham Youth Service

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>