Housing Officer

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Housing Officer for our client a government organisation based in Dorset.

The successful candidate will efficiently manage all aspects of the organisation’s supply of temporary accommodation.

This is a 3 month starting contract with the possibility for extensions.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Manage the physical condition of the directly managed temporary accommodation so that it is in a permanent lettable state, conduct inspections, book repairs, maintenance, organise redecoration, and ensure any communal areas are clean and safe.
• Control the organisation’s financial liability through the local housing debt management process, pursue accommodation charges, monitor HB payments and work closely with housing finance team.
• Maintain and update comprehensive records in connection with the management, maintenance and costs associated with the organisation’s temporary accommodation and occupants as required.
• Obtain and monitor all mandatory safety certificates from those landlords, who provide emergency accommodation for homeless households. To undertake regular visits checking on standards and services provided.
• Undertake joint visits with contractors, Property and Assets services where necessary, to reduce void costs and enable quick turnaround. Also access arrangements to the properties when occupied.
• Work with and support leaseholder landlords who provide accommodation for homeless households to ensure the fabric of the building meets with the lease agreements.
• Work with and support B&B proprietors who provide our emergency homeless accommodation, to ensure successful client placements whilst in B&B.
• Arrange placement of clients into temporary accommodation, including sourcing and arranging B&B placements, continue to work with households until placements ended.
• Visit clients during their placements, to obtain all signed paperwork, and submit to relevant teams to fulfil income maximisation and the households are adhering to their placement agreements.
• Any breaches in the occupier’s agreement serve warnings, issue notice to quit or last night in emergency accommodation. Investigate suspected abandonment, eviction process, providing supporting evidence for legal services and representing in court.

Personal Requirements:

• Substantial experience of working in a local authority housing service, Registered Provider or third sector.
• Proven knowledge and experience of effectively dealing with a wide range of housing tenancy issues in the social housing sector, and/or in the private rented sector.
• Experience in working with repairs, maintenance, and inspections of properties.
• Knowledge of managing rent accounts and debt recovery.
• Up to date knowledge and understanding of welfare benefits and housing benefits and universal credit.
• Substantial knowledge of relevant Housing & Homelessness legislation.
• Knowledge of a range of available housing options and support services.

Working Hours: 07:30 am – 15:30 pm – Monday – Friday 

Pay: £19.64 p/h

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.

Key Words: Housing, Options, Homeless, Tenancy, Accommodation