Tenancy Management & Resettlement Officer
Lewisham - Hybrid
The role involves assisting homeless applicants with PRS tenancy sign ups, welfare benefit applications and liaising with landlords and homelessness officers. Officers must have a comprehensive knowledge of benefits as well as landlord safety compliance requirements. Role also involves welfare visits to assess homelessness and disrepair needs. You must have clean driving licence. Must have three years experience in statutory homelessness or procurement roles
You will be an officer with experience of assessing applicants to end or discharge the main housing duty, with an extensive knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act, Part VII Housing Act and relevant legislation, guidance and case law relating to homelessness and temporary accommodation. You will also be experienced with completing affordability and suitability assessments for applicants. You will have excellent communication skills and substantial experience in working within a high-pressure environment. You will understand the need to make thorough decisions within tight timescales and be able to effectively manage your workload.
The main focus of your role is to support residents in temporary accommodation to resettle into alternative accommodation, and to complete discharges of duty in specific cases. The successful candidate will be able to make comprehensive assessments and legal decisions which can withstand legal scrutiny and uphold at the review stage or court. You will be experienced in completing s.188 and s.193 discharge of duties.
To promote the use of the private rented sector as a viable alternative to social rented housing, in order to encourage independence, prevent homelessness, provide settled housing solutions and reduce the Council's use of temporary accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
Work effectively within the private sector to increase the supply of good quality accommodation for households in housing need to meet individual and team targets.
To carry out inspections of properties in order to assess their suitability for households in housing need.
Assess prospective customer's suitability for private rented accommodation by reviewing their housing history, making enquiries into their financial situation, and establishing whether or not they are able to meet the rent and comply with the tenancy conditions.
Undertake accompanied viewings with prospective customers and provide them with expert advice and guidance on all aspects of letting (including housing benefit and the conditions of tenancy) in order to help them make informed decisions.
Ensure all private rented sector accommodation procured is of the size, type and location required by prospective customer, complies with all health and safety & planning regulations and is in compliance with the Council's location priority policy.
To act as the first point of contact for landlords and tenants who are experiencing difficulties in sustaining tenancies, including acting as a negotiator and or mediator between disputing parties to resolve contractual issues to ensure compliance with the legal framework to sustain tenancies.