The Role

Job Title – Temporary Accommodation Officer

Salary Range – £36,426 - £44,139 per annum

Permanent – Full-Time (36 hours)

Location- Putney Bridge Rd/Twickenham Civic Centre

As with many other Boroughs in the capital, tackling homelessness is a high priority. The Temporary Accommodation Procurement Officer will be required to source new business to increase the supply of properties based on the demand by building relationships with landlords, agents and developers.

You will be joining a busy and hardworking team during a time of transformational change where every day offers an opportunity to make a positive difference.

We are looking for a committed individual with strong communication and excellent negotiation skills. We invite people who share our passion, commitment, and enthusiasm. 

• You will allocate temporary accommodation and ensure agreements are signed with tenants for all Temporary Accommodation types, in accordance with Richmond and Wandsworth’s Temporary Accommodation policy, guidance and procedures.
• Providing appropriate information, advice and guidance to vulnerable applicants with a focus on managing customer’s housing expectations.
• Ensuring properties are allocated and agreements signed with tenants as quickly as possible so that void turnaround times are kept to a minimum.
• Setting up tenancies and accounts for the properties allocated.
• Carry out home visits to clients in temporary accommodation.
• Managing clients in temporary accommodation including issuing warning letters and Discharging Interim and Full Housing Duty.

About the role

Customer service skills: Some service users are vulnerable or come from challenging backgrounds so being able to listen and support is essential whilst remaining calm and professional. The main objective is to deliver the best service we can to those that need it.

Writing Skills: Accurately recording on the management system, writing letters and reports, you will need to be able to write clearly and to a high standard as regular contact with residents and other stakeholders is a feature of the role.

Proactive and organised: You will need to effectively manage cases to completion, making sure that actions are taken in a timely manner and communication is regular. Taking pride and ownership of cases and focusing on delivering an excellent service.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

- Ability to work independently, motivated and put people first

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt to a diverse range of clients

- Excellent customer service skills

- Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise

- Commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of services provided.

-Must have access to a vehicle or be able to use public transport and carry out property inspections in line with current guidance and law

If you are passionate about making a positive impact on Richmond and Wandsworth’s ability to deliver services, possess the required skills, and thrive in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Sunday 11^th August 2024

Shortlisting Date: W/C 12^th August 2024

Interview Date: TBC

Useful Information

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.  

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.  

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan. 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils