Tenancy Support And Resettlement Officer

About Bedspace Trust

The Bedspace Trust aims to, through the provision of housing and accommodation, provide relief to those in need. Often the individuals we work with are placed into vulnerable environments by no fault of their own. Whether it is their age, disability, financial hardship or due to being in or leaving local authority care including those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We also aim to provide support services relating to housing, benefits and financial life skills to assist with the transition to independent living.

Tenancy, Support & Resettlement Officer

To provide practical advice and support for all our Post 18 service users as they transition into independent living. Be responsible for a caseload of service users across the Bedspace regions and cover the whole process from Tenancy Support, resettlement, and housing. This role will have a 70/30 split of front facing support v administrative time and flexibility is in place around working locations. Lead by example in the reinforcement of the Bedspace Values. The TSR team focuses on working with young people to enable them to continue to live in the community, learn essential life skills and independence. The vulnerable people we support often have complex emotional and social needs and our support team develop supportive and positive relationships with them. You will provide support, advice, and assistance to the young person you are supporting, being a positive role model to help them achieve their optimum potential.

About you

For a successful application, you’ll need to understand the complex environment we work in together with an appreciation and empathy for the interdependencies of mental health, developmental trauma, substance misuse and offending behaviour, which are amongst some of the challenges you will face. You may have worked in benefits advice, hostels, as a support worker or personal adviser in the sectors we support. An excellent communicator, you will be experienced in developing and nurturing partnerships with external agencies and internal partners. You’re experienced in exacting standard setting, ensuring compliance, and sharing best practice. You have demonstrable skills in using Microsoft Office applications. You are professional and values led with integrity, inclusivity, and respect for diversity, with an ability to work in uncertainty and maintain a positive approach.

You’ll have a sense of humour, be personable and accept that things won’t always go to plan.

Main Responsibilities

· Manage a post 18 caseload of approx. 25 service users across NW region.

· Minimum of 1 hour per week Tenancy Support/resettlement support/housing support

· Complete monthly property inspections (training to be provided) and escalate any concerns to housing team or maintenance team.

· Support with transition to independence – establish furniture purchasing if required and request payment from setting up home allowance.

· Support with managing finances/utilities – ensuring changeover of utilities.

· Support with bidding on social housing and keeping an update on progress.

· Chair progress meetings (previously move on meetings) 6 weeks prior to 18th birthday/pre 18 rates due to end.

· Work alongside support worker during 6-week period to ensure smooth handover/transition and build positive relationship with young person.

· Act as an enabler by assessing - in consultation with Team Managers and Support workers, those Service Users who are ready to be transitioned to independent tenancies ensuring that the appropriate benefits will be in place.

· Support with UC claim for personal allowance and support with job centre appointments (encouraging engagement at Youth Hubs)

· Complete documentation for Bedspace Trust where applicable in a timely manner

· Accompany the Service User to appointments to ensure the relevant benefit and tenancy applications are processed.

· Resolve any issues that may arise during the move on cycle.

· Assist Service Users by telephone, face to face meeting, e-mail, letter, or SMS text by dealing with all matters associated with but not limited to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, Utilities etc.

· Liaise regularly with the Accounts Team/Monitor Arthur (housing system) to reduce financial losses and report on financial gains in relation to the move on process. Report on any losses and gains. Escalate any concerns or issues to Line Manager.

· Liaise and establish relationships with Leaving Care Teams across all authorities.

· Liaise and establish relationships with DWP to support YPs with their transition to adulthood.

· Liaise and establish relationships with Young Hubs across all areas.

· Work alongside other departments within Bedspace to encourage positive outcomes, particularly housing and maintenance.

Health and Safety

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the company Health and Safety policies and procedures.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £25,235.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Paid volunteer time
• Referral programme

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience with Property Pool Plus, Universal Credit and DWP?

Licence/Certification:

• Driving licence and car (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: TSRO X1