Job Title: Housing Officer (Hostels)
Type: Temp ongoing
Hours: 37
Location: Crawley
DBS Check: Enhanced
Driver Required: Yes

Purpose of the Role
I am representing a client based in Crawley, who are looking for someone to carry out all aspects of tenancy management in relation to the Council's hostels and PSL accommodation.

Key duties will include letting void hostel rooms, providing tailored support to residents, arrears management, liaising with agencies and other council departments as necessary, dealing with all aspects of the day-to-day management of the hostels.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide a front-line service covering both telephone and face to face enquiries.


• To ensure that all void hostel rooms and PSL properties are processed through the voids system and let to a new tenant as quickly as possible.
  
  This will involve property visits/inspections, identifying/arranging required void works and completing sign ups.


• Set up all new hostel and PSL accounts to meet the purpose of helping tenants to pay their rent.


• To help tenants maintain their rent payments by regular rent account monitoring, liaising with Housing Benefit/DWP/Jobcentre, provision of income maximisation and debt counselling and home visits/telephone contact.


• To provide appropriate support for tenants by establishing any vulnerabilities/support needs at the start of the tenancy and signpost tenants to relevant support agencies, or by responding to safeguarding concerns.


• To ensure all aspects of hostels management is carried out including regular room checks, investigating any breaches of license and take action where necessary, report repairs and monitor grounds maintenance.


• To attend court and present evidence and through PCOL possession claims where appropriate.

Requirements

• Understanding of the needs of residents in temporary accommodation.


• Practical knowledge of maintenance issues will be required to identify defects and initiate repairs.


• A working understanding of Housing / Homelessness legislation


• Experience within a social housing department or similar organisation (Local Government or Housing Association) including Homelessness.


• Dealing with the public in demanding situations.


• Able to communicate effectively by telephone, in writing and face to face.


• Ability to cope with difficult, challenging and sensitive situations.

If you are interested in this position and meet the above criteria, please send your CV now for consideration.

If you require any additional information regarding the position, please call Joel at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208 966 or send an E-Mail to joel.hopwood@servicecare.org.uk