At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in temporary accommodation with income collection and tenancy sustainment.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a people-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of Β£26.80 per hour, hybrid working, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your skills in housing management.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management or income recovery is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on customer service and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 21 - 32 Β£ per hour.
Location: South East London
Contract: Temporary / Ongoing
Rate: Β£26.80 per hour (Umbrella / Limited)
Working Pattern: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Hybrid β 2 days in the office, 3 days remote
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Temporary Accommodation Officer to join Lewisham Council, delivering a people-focused income collection and arrears recovery service to support residents and sustain tenancies.
Main Purpose of the Role
To provide an effective, resident-focused income collection service that maximises rental income and minimises rent arrears, while supporting residents living in temporary accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively manage a caseload of rent accounts, ensuring income is maximised and tenancies are sustained
- Engage with residents via telephone, home visits, and office interviews
- Support residents to maximise income and prevent financial exclusion
- Represent Lewisham Council in County Court possession proceedings
- Maintain accurate records, prepare legal documentation, and progress arrears cases in line with council policies
- Ensure all arrears recovery actions are completed within agreed timescales
- Attend evictions when required, completing inventories and arranging removals and storage of goods
- Work closely with external partners including Housing Benefit, DWP, Social Services, and Housing Options
- Liaise with internal teams to resolve issues such as disrepair, succession, or abandonment
- Meet individual and team performance targets relating to income collection and customer service
- Provide training and induction support to new staff and work placements
- Deliver excellent customer service at all times and take responsibility for personal development
- Comply with all Lewisham Council policies, including Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity
Key Requirements
- Experience in temporary accommodation, income recovery, or housing management
- Strong knowledge of arrears recovery processes and tenancy sustainment
- Experience representing or supporting cases at County Court (desirable)
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Ability to manage a busy caseload in a performance-driven environment
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Experience working within a local authority or public sector housing service
PLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email.
Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London employer: Vox Network Consultants
Contact Detail:
Vox Network Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Lewisham Council and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the team, plus it shows you're proactive and engaged.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to income recovery and customer service. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in managing caseloads and supporting residents.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Income Officer in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Temporary Accommodation Income Officer role. Highlight your experience in income recovery and housing management, as well as any relevant skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting residents and how your background makes you a great fit for this role. Keep it concise but impactful.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your ability to engage with residents effectively. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your customer service skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vox Network Consultants
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of temporary accommodation and income recovery processes. Familiarise yourself with Lewisham Council's policies and the specific challenges they face in managing tenancies. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with residents, be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully resolved issues or supported individuals in difficult situations. Practice articulating these experiences clearly.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios, like how you'd handle a resident struggling with arrears. Prepare structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your problem-solving abilities and customer service focus.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics or the challenges faced by the Temporary Accommodation Officer. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.