Temporary Accommodation Housing Officer

Job Purpose:

1.1 To directly manage properties acquired for temporary accommodation for homeless households. Tasks include void management, lettings, tenancy
management, rent arrears, repairs, landlord liaison and related areas.

1.2 To contract manage the Housing Association Leasing (HAL) scheme ensuring invoices are processed efficiently and compliance with regard to contractual responsibilities.

1.3 To work in conjunction with all teams within Housing Options to ensure coordinated service delivery to statutorily homeless households.

1.4 To monitor and visit temporary accommodation tenants and ensure authorised occupation, vacation and repossession on proper discharge of the Council’s duties under homelessness legislation and to ensure that all properties are fully compliant with Health and Safety standards.

1.5 To provide support and advice to all temporary accommodation tenants including advice on employment and training and to make referrals to external agencies as appropriate.

1.6 To undertake project work, including detailed research and negotiation, and lead as required on the Housing Association Leasing Scheme and other projects as appropriate to include the exit strategy for Hamlet Gardens and related functions

Description of principal duties:

2.1 To maintain a working knowledge of the Housing Acts 1985, 1988, 1996 and subsequent or relevant statutes, case law and Council policy relating to the management and provision of temporary accommodation.

2.2 To process Private Sector Leasing void properties from vacation, clearance, gas and electrical safety checks, repairs and lettings within target timescales and budget guidelines, and to incorporate new acquisitions into the scheme on an ongoing basis.

2.3 To ensure compliance with gas and electricity, and health and safety regulations in temporary accommodation, and the installation and maintenance of appropriate furniture and fittings in liaison with designated furniture suppliers as appropriate.

2.4 To monitor the performance of temporary accommodation providers and enforce relevant contracts or Service Level Agreements to ensure effective management of stock.

2.5 To check and validate invoices to ensure proper financial control and the timely discharge of the Council’s liabilities.

2.6 To let temporary accommodation properties allocated by Allocations Officers, ensuring relevant advice is provided to tenants and rent payment systems are commenced. To carry out sign-ups at the property or in Council offices. To visit the property after sign-up, ensuring that it is in a habitable condition and advising the client of the tenancy conditions.

2.7 To provide a property management service to all forms of temporary
accommodation including: Temporary on Licence (TOL) properties, bed and
breakfast accommodation, Private Sector Leased properties etc. Visiting and
liaising with the relevant provider as appropriate.

2.8 In conjunction with the Income Officers, to ensure that the team maximises rental income, taking appropriate legal action where necessary. To advise tenants on debt counselling services and make every effort to ensure that rent collection targets are met.

2.9 Working with the landlords, landlords’ contractors and the Council’s contractors to ensure that all temporary accommodation properties are well-maintained and that appropriate repairs are carried out within the agreed time-scales, liaising with the appropriate landlord as necessary.

Skills and Experience:

1. A commitment to and understanding of the Council’s equal opportunities policy, and the ability to implement the policy in relation to the duties of the post.

2. A working knowledge of housing law relating to security of tenure, the
management of tenanted properties and the Council’s temporary accommodation duties to homeless households.

3. The ability to communicate effectively, in writing or verbally, with tenants,
landlords and other relevant parties, including senior management and elected Members.

4. Basic numeracy, and an understanding of rent accounting and the principles of housing benefit administration.
5. The ability to assess property conditions and evaluate the need for repairs and maintenance. An understanding of day to day housing management issues and the ability to apply practical solutions.

6. An understanding of the principles of tenancy management and the efficient control of empty properties.

7. The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to contribute to policy development and partnership arrangements.

8. An ability to monitor contracts and agreements in relation to the supply and management of temporary accommodation and to resolve disputes by
negotiation.

9. A full clean driving licence is desirable.

10. To hold a valid DBS ENhanced