Accommodation Officer

• Assist with the Procurement of new TA properties
• Allocate cost effective PRS and TA
• Perform both proactive, scheduled inspections and reactive, ad hoc inspections as necessary
• Ensure that all TA and PRS housing meets the required standards and compliance
• Set up new TA and PRS properties on the IT system
• Accurately and promptly record all inspection and compliance data on IT and data systems
• Manage TA and PRS housing leases and contracts, ensuring suppliers comply with lease terms and is compliant with agreements
• Support the management of TA and PRS housing, ensuring residents comply with their agreements and promptly take remedial action when necessary
• Ensure accommodation is used efficiently and effectively, maintained, and repaired to required standards
• Collaborate with Caseworkers to manage nightly paid temporary accommodation, conducting both planned and ad hoc inspections
• Partner with teams to identify and resolve housing management issues such as ASB, hoarding, and fraud
• Contribute to the efficient management of void and relet processes
• Work closely with the Home Finder Officer’s to set up and raise rental payments to managing agents and landlords and make payments to PRS and TA portfolio providers and other suppliers
• Provide support with the daily TA placements and promote effective move-on to other permanent housing, including intermediate and social housing

• Hold an appropriate qualification in a relevant field: NVQ, Diploma, relevant degree or experience
• 5 or more GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade C/level 4 or above)
• Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
• Full driving licence and use of a vehicle
• Experience of working in a customer facing role delivering a responsive housing service to vulnerable residents
• Experience in implementing private rented sector (PRS) housing standards, including Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), gas and electricity compliance, Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), licensing, and management and regulations of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
• Significant experience in collaborating to improve outcomes for homelessness applicants and their households
• Experience of efficiently utilising time and resources to achieve demanding goals and meet tight deadlines
• Proven ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to achieve successful results
• The ability to work independently, manage and organise own tasks, while actively identifying and solving problems
• Experience of working under pressure, being creative to solve complex issues within diverse communities
• An active desire to provide effective resident centred services
• Proven experience of conflict resolution, negotiation and diplomacy skills
• A sound knowledge of current legislation related to the acquisition and leasing of property used as TA and PRS Housing
• Knowledge of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated legislation and guidance
• In-depth understanding of the statutory homelessness framework, including legislation, Suitability Order, caselaw, assessments, prevention, relief, main duties, TA duties, and accommodation offers
• Knowledge of Housing Law (Landlord & Tenant)
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• An understanding of the needs of homeless households in temporary accommodation
• Knowledge of repairs and health and safety obligations relating to temporary accommodation and standards in the private sector
• Knowledge of procurement rules, framework agreements – approved lists
• Competent in using Microsoft Office, applications and knowledge/experience with housing and homelessness IT systems
• Ability to work with others to achieve excellent performance
• Ability to communicate effectively, face to face, in writing and by telephone with different groups
• Customer service-oriented, skilled in building productive working relationships and effectively managing challenging customer behaviours
• Ability to manage and prioritise own workload whilst at the same time work effectively as part of a team
• Can demonstrate initiative in improving on existing processes to achieve best value for the Council

• Evidence of continuing personal and professional development
• Knowledge of procurement rules, framework agreements – approved lists

Hybrid working