Accommodation Assessment Lettings Officer

• We are looking to recruit an officer responsible for the allocation of emergency temporary accommodation setting up rent accounts and discharging interim and full housing duty.
  
• The successful candidate will work within a team of officers and participate in a duty rota to fulfil the needs of the service. A good understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 is required along with experience with delivering a frontline service to vulnerable clients. They will serve as a point of contact for clients placed in emergency accommodation ensuring that appropriate offers of accommodation are made and all queries are responded to on time.
  

Awareness of and a commitment to Equality of Access and Opportunity in a diverse community. Understanding of how equality and diversity relates to this post. Excellent knowledge and detailed understanding of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing and homelessness legislation, case law and guidance. Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985 and Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Suitability and affordability assessments for accommodation provided under homelessness provisions. Comprehensive understanding of the needs of vulnerable people and how their needs can be met, including their social, emotional and wellbeing needs. Ability to maintain databases and work effectively with IT systems. Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to understand and explain both local policies and statutory legislation. Experience of working in a customer demand led business in the public or private sector. Experience of dealing sensitively with distressed or challenging customers/service users. Experience of working with landlords and managing agents to access void properties and to refer clients. Experience of administrative systems and office work. Experience of responding to correspondence and resolving complaints. Effectively programming/prioritising/planning own workload. Experience of achieving performance targets and meeting departmental performance objectives. Self-motivated and able to work with a caseload to achieve targets and continuous improvement. To think flexibly and broadly, approaching situations from many perspectives.