At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage rent accounts and support residents in temporary accommodation.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Earn £26.80 per hour with hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development and training support.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 30 £ per hour.
Location: South East London
Contract: Temporary / Ongoing
Rate: £26.80 per hour (Umbrella / Limited)
Working Pattern: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Hybrid – 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 employer: Vox Network Consultants
Contact Detail:
Vox Network Consultants Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Income Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector or local authorities. You never know who might have a lead on a Temporary Accommodation Income Officer role. Plus, personal recommendations can really give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of income recovery processes and tenancy sustainment. Be ready to share examples from your experience that showcase your skills in managing caseloads and providing excellent customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that job. Plus, applying directly can sometimes put you ahead of the competition. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Income Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
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, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that show off your skills!
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 perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with residents and external partners, make sure to highlight your excellent communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vox Network Consultants
✨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 this area. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in housing management or income recovery. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed caseloads, supported residents, or dealt with arrears recovery. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to role-play a scenario where you engage with a resident, so being able to convey empathy and professionalism will be crucial.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges faced by the council, or opportunities for personal development. It shows that you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.