Housing Assistant

Job Advertisement

• Position: Housing and Communities Assistant
• Salary Band/Range: Band C (£22,777 to £25,409 per annum)
• Responsible to: Private Sector & Temporary Accommodation Team Leader

Purpose

• Source suitable accommodation in the private rented sector for individuals at risk of homelessness or already homeless.
• Work closely with Private Landlords to negotiate and secure suitable, affordable accommodation, aiming to discharge homeless duties, prevent homelessness, and reduce stays in temporary accommodation.
• Act as a point of contact for landlords and partner agencies to promote the services offered.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with landlords and providers to secure suitable and affordable properties for households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Utilise available tools to prevent homelessness in the private sector, including interventions to support tenants in their current tenancies.
• Negotiate with landlords to ensure properties meet required standards and arrange necessary inspections and remedial work.
• Confirm landlords have provided all necessary documentation ahead of entering into tenancy agreements with tenants.
• Maintain accurate records of property requirements for customers and identify suitable properties accordingly.
• Input and retrieve data from service recording systems for collation, monitoring, and reporting of statistical information for performance management purposes.
• Act as an intermediary between landlords and tenants to support tenancy sustainment and make referrals to other services as needed.
• Assist the Private Sector Development Officer with the Private Sector Leasing Scheme and any other duties as required.
• Conduct home visits or visits to temporary accommodation units to assess customers' needs and advise on suitable options.
• Coordinate and assist with the delivery of pre-tenancy training to prospective tenants.

Criteria

• Experience in real estate or property management, particularly in sourcing and securing rental accommodations.
• Previous work in social services, housing assistance programs, or homelessness prevention initiatives.
• Knowledge of local housing markets and rental property availability.
• Experience in negotiating rental agreements and contracts with landlords.
• Familiarity with government housing policies and regulations related to homelessness and housing assistance.
• Background in customer service, particularly in assisting vulnerable populations.
• Experience working with landlords and property owners to address tenant needs and concerns.
• Previous involvement in community outreach programs aimed at providing housing support to at-risk individuals or homeless populations.
• Skills in data management and record-keeping, especially in maintaining accurate records of property availability and client needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, landlords, and partner agencies, to facilitate successful housing placements.

Randstad Business Support acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Business Support is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.