Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Job Description

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.

Introduction

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.

What’s the role?

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:

• Generous holiday allowance
• 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.

Location

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

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Joanne Burke – 07540 771 979 Joanne.burke@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£37,509.00 - £38,637 per annum (Scale 6)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

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. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email LewishamWorks@lewisham.gov.ukand an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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