OR109030 – Temporary Accommodation Assistant (Grade 14) – Housing

Client: Somerset Council

Location: King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR, United Kingdom

PAYE Pay Rate: £13.47 per hour

Work Pattern: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote (37 Hours a week)

Main Purpose of the Role

To support the effective management and allocation of temporary accommodation, ensuring service users are placed in suitable accommodation and receive appropriate support. The role also involves administering Housing Benefit claims and maintaining accurate records.

Typical Day

• Arrange and update temporary accommodation placements.
• Liaise with service users, housing providers and internal teams.
• Check and process Housing Benefit applications.
• Update records and notify Housing Benefits of changes.
• Respond to service user enquiries and complaints.
• Monitor accommodation use and arrange inspections.
• Provide information about housing options.
• Deal with urgent issues and escalate when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate temporary accommodation bookings and moves.
• Maintain accurate records of placements.
• Ensure Housing Benefit applications are completed.
• Liaise with accommodation providers.
• Monitor accommodation standards and occupancy.
• Support vulnerable service users.
• Handle enquiries and complaints professionally.
• Work with other council teams to resolve issues.
• Follow relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Provide basic reports on temporary accommodation use.

Qualifications and Requirements

Essential

• GCSEs or equivalent, including English and Maths.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and email.
• Previous experience in administration, housing, customer service or a similar role.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Ability to work professionally and sensitively with vulnerable people.
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding.
• Ability to manage workload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Housing-related qualification or relevant training.
• Experience working in a local authority, housing association or homelessness service.
• Knowledge of Housing Benefit, temporary accommodation or homelessness services.
• Experience using housing or council databases.