Role

Purpose

  • Managing a heavy and varied caseload pertaining to finding accommodation, through a range of initiatives depending upon the landlords/agents needs or requirements both short term and longer term, and sustaining tenancies in the private sector for applicants threatened with homelessness and in severe housing need.

  • To work with a team of Initiatives Officers in the development and operation of supply initiatives to reduce homelessness and maximise the supply of private sector accommodation across a wide location ensuring liaison with the relevant Local Authority, and that all cases are dealt with in accordance with the law and Council policy.

  • To make the most appropriate, equitable and cost-effective use of available resources, ensuring that all lettings comply with statutory requirements and the Council’s policies and governance.

  • To ensure that all households including families and ex looked after children for whom the Council has a statutory duty to secure accommodation is provided with such accommodation best suited to their needs, and to manage movement between, and discharges from emergency accommodation

  • To maximize income to the Council through appropriate liaison with DWP

  • To make appropriate and suitable placements of both families and ex looked after children, based upon government legislation and guidance and Council policy and procedure.

  • To develop partnerships and business relationships with a wide range of housing providers

  • To contribute to the development of policy, procedures and practice, and to the achievement of the Section’s aims, objectives and targets.

  • To lead on appropriate projects relevant to the role of the team in order to achieve and the maximisation of accommodation within and outside the Section as appropriate.

  • To provide cover for six council special needs hostels in the hostel managers absence

    • Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • An understanding of the private-rented sector and of the issues and law relating to the acquisition of accommodation, including security of tenure, health and safety [HHSRS and decent homes standards]. Housing legislation in relation to the placement of homeless households.

  • Good verbal and written communication skills including the ability to negotiate with accommodation providers and explain complex issues to the diverse users of the service and the ability to write letters, report, and procedures using Plain English.

  • Ability to relate the Department’s objectives and policies in relation to the service, and to communicate these concisely, simply and sensitively to colleagues, customers and partners.

  • Ability to provide a caring and responsive service to customers, addressing those needs and concerns as far as possible within the given resource constraints.

  • Ability to manage a varied and demanding workload, and to provide a consistently high quality of work with limited supervision.

  • Ability to take responsibility for one’s own and team performance in delivery of a customer focused service.

  • Ability to assess and communicate service issues and problems and identify and cost appropriate responses and solutions.

  • A commitment to equalities issues and an understanding of how they relate to the Procurement Section and the diverse needs of its customers.

  • Able to provide a service to members of the public consistently but sensitively, according to their individual needs.

  • An understanding of equalities issues and how they relate to the diverse needs of customers of the Procurement Section

    • Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.