Temporary Accommodation Income Officer

Job Category : Financial
Location : Laurence House – Fifth Floor, Lewisham Council
Hours Per Week : 35.00
Start Date :Immediate start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £19.05

Main Purpose of the job:

To provide an effective people focused income collection service to maximise income and minimise rent arrears of Lewisham Council residents.
Summary of Responsibilities and Personal Duties:
• Effectively and proactively, manage a case load of rent accounts, ensuring rental income is maximised whilst supporting residents to sustain their tenancies.
• Engage proactively with residents, over the phone, visiting them at home or conducting office interviews.
• Support residents to maximise their income by providing advice and assistance to ensure they are not financially excluded.
• Represent Lewisham Council in possession proceedings at County Courts.
• Keep accurate records in relation to arrears recovery action, complete documentation for legal cases and prepare reports to progress arrears cases in line with relevant Lewisham Council policies and procedures.
• Ensure all documentation and arrears actions are completed to timescales and are in line with the standards detailed in the income recovery policies and procedures.
• To attend evictions as and when required, completing an inventory of goods and arranging for removals and storage of goods.
• Work with external stakeholders such as Housing Benefit, DWP, Social Services and Housing Options to resolve issues and prevent rent arrears.
• Work with internal colleagues to resolve issues such as disrepair, succession or abandonment of property and prevent rent arrears.
• Ensure individual performance targets on a range of income collection and customer service standards are met and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure team targets are met.
• Provide training and induction for staff and work placements on operational processes and practices.
• Maintain excellent customer service in all areas of work.
• Take responsibility for own learning and development.
• Comply with all Lewisham Council policies, including contractual standing orders, financial regulations and all HR policies and procedures including Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity.