Temporary Accommodation Officer

A job brief - covering the key tasks to be completed in 3-6 months:

Leading on TA complaints and members enquiries Liaising with managing agents and internal colleagues to ensure suitability of temporary accommodation Working closely with our team of property inspectors to drive up the quality of temporary accommodation Providing excellent customer service to our residents

Temporary Accommodation Placements:

1. Allocate a variety of temporary accommodation units including emergency accommodation, and control and conduct all activities leading to admissions and discharges where appropriate in order to achieve the most efficient and economic use of accommodation available.

1. Minimise the inappropriate use of shared accommodation for families with children and ensure that all clients are effectively tracked, monitored and moved on from temporary accommodation where appropriate.

1. Conduct visits where necessary to a range of B&B type establishments to ensure property standards are maintained and occupancy is verified; taking prompt and effective action to address breaches of licence and any disrepair issues.

1. Effectively liaise with and manage the day to day relationships with emergency accommodation providers and out of hours services, providing advice and monitoring their performance in the most effective use of temporary accommodation stock.

1. Provide timely and accurate management information, data and produce detailed reports to assist with the monitoring and supply of the temporary accommodation portfolio.

1. Liaise and work closely with other peer groups across housing and other directorates that have a direct influence on the section promoting a joined up approach in the operational deployment of services.

Temporary Accommodation Management and Move On:

1. Effectively manage the Councils varied portfolio of temporary accommodation (including leased, hostels, direct lets, B&B and Annexe placements and all other types of temporary accommodation) ensuring properties are of good standard, are suitable and fit for purpose.

1. Manage and coordinate the timely hand-backs of leased accommodation to their owners or managing agents and negotiate new leases and renewals with agencies and landlords ensuring suitable TA is supplied through providers that satisfy demand in line with the Councils statutory provisions and move on requirements.

Key Knowledge

K1

To have and maintain a thorough and up to date knowledge of homelessness legislation, case law and best practice, as it applies to temporary accommodation and basic understanding of private sector tenant and landlord legislation.

K2

To have a good practical understanding of allocation and maximisation of housing resources.

K3

To have a good and practical knowledge of property standards, health and safety issues, regulations and legislative requirements including local policies and beet practice.

K4

Broad knowledge of contract/performance monitoring - preferably within a public sector context.

K5

Understanding of the Council’s policy of Valuing Diversity.

Relevant Experience

E1

Experience of dealing with a diverse and vulnerable clientele in housing/homeless related environment.

E2

Experience of working on own initiative as well as within a team environment, prioritising and successfully managing a personal caseload of work and achieving performance targets and meeting departmental objectives.