Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Lewisham Youth Service; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension scheme

Flexible working

Season ticket loans

Subsidised gym memberships

Supportive staff networks

Job summary

A London-based council service is seeking a Temporary Accommodation Income Officer to support vulnerable residents in managing rent accounts. The role involves leading on rent collection, preventing arrears, and providing essential support to clients. The ideal candidate should have a passion for community impact, customer service skills, and GCSE qualifications in Maths and English. This position offers flexible working arrangements and excellent training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Passion for making a difference in residents’ lives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment.
• Maintain clear, accurate records and prepare legal documentation.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of rent accounts for residents.
• Work with residents to support income management.
• Represent the council in court when necessary.
• Collaborate with Housing Benefit, DWP, Social Services and internal teams to resolve complex cases.

Skills

Customer service

Problem-solving

Record keeping

Interagency collaboration

Record keeping

Education

GCSE passes in Maths and English

Job description

• Locations 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU, GB
• Apply Before 04/06/2026, 10:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time

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:

• 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.

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

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 [e-mail] and 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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