Acquisitions Officer (Homelessness)

We are currently seeking an experienced Acquisitions Officer (Homelessness) for our local authority client based in West London.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:
• To procure a sufficient supply of private sector accommodation to minimise homelessness in Ealing in accommodation of a suitable, type, size and location to meet the requirements of clients in housing need.

• To develop effective marketing and procurement strategies to maximise the number of suitably affordable accommodation available to the Council.

• To provide advice, support and encouragement to landlords with homes to let and increase the number of directly managed units.

• To develop and maintain effective relationships with new and existing accommodation suppliers

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. To be responsible for delivering the Council’s procedures to discharge its duty to persons placed in temporary accommodation that is owed an interim S.188 and full S.193 housing duty.
2. To contact, negotiate and liaise with private sector landlords, agents, Housing Associations and developers to acquire a supply of suitable accommodation on reasonable terms, including but not limited to PSL, PMA, annexes, B&B accommodation, Direct Lets, HALS, HALD and Council owned stock.
3. To meet regularly and work in partnership with RSLs in the acquisition of HALs and HALD properties to ensure that suitable properties are procured to meet Ealing client needs.
4. To develop new contacts and supply in geographical areas outside of Ealing in acquiring units in the private rented sector.
5. To visit properties, undertake inspections and produce a schedule of works to ensure that the property is brought up to the required standard for the Council to use.
6. To administer landlord incentive schemes in accordance with Council policy and procedure, and provide necessary information to the Team Manager.
7. To develop and assist with promotion campaigns, seminars and training for landlords, agents, developer and other relevant parties to promote the Council’s agreed private sector schemes.
8. To participate in the planning and delivery of the annual Ealing Landlords Forum, including event planning, promotion and agenda for the forum, and ensure a high attendance amongst relevant providers.
9. To regularly consult and engage with landlords about their needs and information requirements and develop the service and provide best practice advice and information in response, and ensure that the website information is up to date.
10. To prepare relevant lease and contract documentation, such as property leases, management agreements on behalf of the Council, and complete property inventories to ensure Council has required information as part of the contract agreement and support end of lease negotiations.
11. To ensure update records on paper and IT databases in a timely manner, and ensure properties are created on IT database within 48 hours.
12. To undertake project work, including detailed research and negotiation on new scheme opportunities in all tenures.
13. To be able to respond appropriately to all enquiries whether by telephone, post or in person.
14. To participate in meetings and working groups to improve the overall service provided and contribute to creation and revision of policies and procedures within the Service area.
15. To maintain up to date knowledge of the legal position with regard to discharge of duty, suitability and acceptance of qualifying offers.
16. To maintain up to date knowledge of appropriate Local Government legislation including the Housing and Council Tax Benefit regulations, current procedures and other Social Security Benefit Legislation.
17. To carry out duties of the post outside normal working hours when required
18. To participate in the work of the TA Reduction Team project, which may include undertaking different tasks and duties.
19. To deal with enquiries from clients, MPs, Councillors and others and draft responses accordingly.
20. To represent the Team, Service and Council as required at relevant meetings, including sub regional and Pan London events.
21. To understand the Council’s policies with regards to vulnerable children and adults, and raise any concerns through the appropriate channels.
22. To undertake training as required and assist in inducting and training colleagues.
23. To support colleagues in Business Support to undertake accommodation sign-up activities, when required.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and proven ability to work in the private sector rental market
• Knowledge of the temporary housing subsidy system and welfare benefits.
• Knowledge of procurement and contract management of accommodation.
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and processes
• Knowledge of and proven ability to undertake property inspections under relevant property standards.
• Proven ability to negotiate at the appropriate standard to liaise with landlords and agents
• Proven ability to manage and direct own workload and act on own initiative
• Ability to work as an effective member of a team, supporting colleagues.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:
• Experience of acquiring accommodation in the private/public housing sector.
• Experience of working in a housing related setting.
• Experience of working to strict targets and deadlines.

Please ensure that your skills and experience match those in the description above before applying.