At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to tackle housing benefit issues and reduce arrears for families in need.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's dedicated Climate, Homes and Economy department.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in public service with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on empathy and innovative problem-solving.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by supporting vulnerable households.
- Qualifications: Experience in income collection and benefits management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
The Team Manager post sits in the Benefits & Homeless Prevention Service within Hackney Council’s Climate, Homes and Economy department, on a 12-month fixed-term or secondment basis. It leads a team of up to 11 income collection and housing benefit officers, focused on cutting arrears for households placed in temporary accommodation. The role is distinct for coordinating possession action and legal referrals with Legal Services alongside benefit take-up, and applicants answer competency questions instead of submitting a supporting statement.
What the job involves:
- Oversee end-to-end team management, including check-ins, performance reviews and absence monitoring.
- Provide daily management, direction and support to a team of up to 11 Income Collection and Housing Benefit Officers.
- Oversee collection and benefit take-up strategies to reduce arrears for households in temporary accommodation.
- Lead and coordinate possession action and legal referrals with Legal Services, ensuring pre-legal steps and protocols are met.
- Guide the team in handling complex resident cases empathetically, balancing debt management with support and signposting.
- Provide strategic guidance and develop innovative solutions for complex cases.
- Manage complaint responses to drive continuous learning and process improvements.
Skills & knowledge:
- Expertise in income collection and benefits.
- Resilient, proactive leadership style.
Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention in London employer: London Borough of Hackney
Hackney Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As part of the Safety, Health, Environmental Quality (SHEQ) team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community safety while benefiting from comprehensive training and growth opportunities in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention 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 Team Manager – Benefits and Homeless Prevention 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 London Borough of Hackney
✨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 London Borough of Hackney.
✨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 London Borough of Hackney 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.
