Housing Support Officer - Positive Employment : Job Details

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Housing Support Officer for our client a local government organisation in Bournemouth.

The successful post holder will to work in partnership with the Private Rented Sector (PRS) and assist those in housing need to access and sustain PRS accommodation to create long-term sustainable tenancies.

Act as a broker between people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and good quality landlords by offering suitable tenants and providing financial guarantees and support, so the risk to landlords is reduced. Ensure tenants can access local support services, therefore improving the likelihood the tenancy will be sustained.

This is initially a 6 month contract with the possibility to extend after that date. This is mainly Work From Home, although there may be a need to attend the area for property viewings, although this may be negotiable.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Support the administration of financial assistance scheme for landlords, including the tenancy deposit loan and bond schemes processes.
• Complete rent deposit loan sign ups with clients including financial assessment and giving basic money advice, making repayment agreements in every case.
• Contact clients regularly by telephone, letter and in person to recover monies lent by the Authority. Monitor client’s monthly repayments and update support records accordingly. Liaise with colleagues in financial services to ensure maximum income recovery.
• Work with deposit protection schemes to ensure accurate and lawful registration and protection of the councils financial interests. Carry out bond claim assessments using gathered evidence which is verified from landlord and tenant.
• Maintain positive relationships with private sector landlords and increase access to private sector accommodation through proactive accommodation finding.
• Assess the suitability of accommodation for households in partnership with appropriate professionals.
• Provide specialist advice on matters relating directly to tenancy advice and allocation of accommodation.
• Support clients to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to secure or maintain accommodation, working closely with Housing benefit and Housing Advice colleagues regarding monitoring and use of DHP direct HB payments.

Personal Requirements:

• Working with a customer services environment, including face to face with members of the public.
• Working with vulnerable clients, those with complex needs or in a challenging environment (Desirable).
• Educated to 3 A-levels standard or equivalent experience.
• Educated to level 3 NVQ Customer service or equivalent.
• Ability to impart relevant financial and legal information to clients and to inform decision making process.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate between the council, clients and private / social sector landlords.

Working Hours: 37hrs / 9:00am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £19.72 p/h

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.