Temporary Accommodation Officer Location: South East London\n Contract: Temporary / Ongoing\n Rate: £26.80 per hour (Umbrella / Limited)\n Working Pattern: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Hybrid – 2 days in the office, 3 days remote\n\n 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.\n \nMain 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.\n \nKey Responsibilities\nProactively manage a caseload of rent accounts, ensuring income is maximised and tenancies are sustained\nEngage with residents via telephone, home visits, and office interviews\nSupport residents to maximise income and prevent financial exclusion\nRepresent Lewisham Council in County Court possession proceedings\nMaintain accurate records, prepare legal documentation, and progress arrears cases in line with council policies\nEnsure all arrears recovery actions are completed within agreed timescales\nAttend evictions when required, completing inventories and arranging removals and storage of goods\nWork closely with external partners including Housing Benefit, DWP, Social Services, and Housing Options\nLiaise with internal teams to resolve issues such as disrepair, succession, or abandonment\nMeet individual and team performance targets relating to income collection and customer service\nProvide training and induction support to new staff and work placements\nDeliver excellent customer service at all times and take responsibility for personal development\nComply with all Lewisham Council policies, including Health & Safety and Equality & DiversityKey Requirements\nExperience in temporary accommodation, income recovery, or housing management\nStrong knowledge of arrears recovery processes and tenancy sustainment\nExperience representing or supporting cases at County Court (desirable)\nExcellent communication and customer service skills\nAbility to manage a busy caseload in a performance-driven environment\nStrong organisational skills and attention to detail\nExperience working within a local authority or public sector housing service\nPLEASE NOTE: All applications are monitored and shortlisted candidates will be contacted via phone call or email