Location
London Borough of Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£44,685 per annum

About the Role
As an Income Officer within the Housing Advice Service, you will manage your own patch of clients, meeting with them face-to-face and building positive, effective relationships. You will monitor rent accounts and raise rent arrears letters in line with current policies and procedures. This includes clients living in nightly paid accommodation and those holding licences, so knowledge of the Notice to Quit (NTQ) process is beneficial. You will use your welfare benefits knowledge to support clients in maximising their income and assist with Housing Benefit claims where required. You will work as part of a delivery-focused Income Team consisting of a Team Leader, three Income Officers, and a Finance Officer, supporting clients through the Homeless Journey and managing arrears and income collection.

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is located less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Situated in zone 5, Sutton offers excellent transport links, award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough is committed to resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services while addressing financial challenges. Sutton is investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents, supported by the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Sutton is home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, and with the London Cancer Hub development, it aims to be a world-leading life-science district specialising in cancer research and treatment. The borough is focused on regeneration, new homes, schools, and working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living. Sutton is a driving force within the South London Partnership, focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment to make the borough a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to helping you fulfil your potential in a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment. Your ideas will be encouraged and supported by a dynamic and experienced management team. Benefits include a generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time), enhanced family leave options, two volunteering days per year, flexible and agile working arrangements, access to a learning and development portal, discounts at local shops and leisure centres, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, electric vehicle leasing, and confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support.

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. We value authenticity and expect personalised responses demonstrating your motivation and alignment with our PRIDE values. We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.

Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, committed to creating a workforce that reflects our community. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We offer family-friendly policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive networks. We are a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length.

Additional Information
The UK’s points-based immigration system affects sponsorship availability, which is subject to eligibility and budget. We cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and evaluate requests case-by-case.

Experience
- Income recovery and managing rent arrears
- Working within housing with a basic knowledge of relevant legislative frameworks
- Working towards and achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Knowledge and experience of welfare benefits

About You
- Ability to build positive relationships with clients
- Confident in managing your own caseload
- Sound numerical and mathematical skills

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory, but relevant housing or welfare benefits knowledge and experience are essential for success in this role.