Temporary Accommodation Officer – AR

Temporary Accommodation Officer

Job Purpose

To manage a portfolio of properties used to provide temporary accommodation to households experiencing homelessness. The role is responsible for effective property and tenancy management, including lettings, voids, rent arrears, repairs, landlord liaison and health and safety compliance.

The postholder will work closely with internal Housing Solutions teams, landlords, housing associations and external accommodation providers to ensure temporary accommodation is effectively managed and that statutory homelessness duties are delivered appropriately.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of temporary accommodation properties for households accepted as homeless by the Council.
• Oversee the letting and allocation of temporary accommodation, ensuring properties are appropriately occupied and all relevant procedures are followed.
• Manage property voids, including inspections, repairs, cleaning and preparation of properties for new occupants.
• Undertake tenancy and occupancy management, addressing breaches of tenancy conditions, unauthorised occupation, complaints and other tenancy-related matters.
• Monitor and manage rent accounts and arrears, working with tenants to resolve outstanding payments and establish appropriate repayment arrangements where required.
• Coordinate and monitor repairs, liaising with landlords, contractors and accommodation providers to ensure issues are resolved within appropriate timescales.
• Conduct regular property and tenancy visits to assess property condition, occupancy and tenant welfare.
• Ensure temporary accommodation properties meet relevant health, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with private landlords, housing associations and external accommodation providers.
• Contract manage temporary accommodation suppliers, including monitoring contractual obligations, service standards and compliance.
• Check and process supplier invoices, ensuring charges are accurate and services have been delivered in accordance with contractual arrangements.
• Work collaboratively with Housing Solutions and other Council teams to ensure a coordinated service for households living in temporary accommodation.
• Ensure authorised occupation, vacation and repossession of properties are managed appropriately and in accordance with Council procedures and homelessness legislation.
• Provide advice, guidance and practical support to temporary accommodation residents, including signposting and referrals relating to employment, training and other support services.
• Identify tenants who may require additional assistance and make appropriate referrals to external agencies and support services.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records relating to properties, tenants, repairs, rent accounts and contractual arrangements.
• Undertake project work and contribute to service improvements as required.
• Take a lead role, where required, in the Housing Association Leasing Scheme and other temporary accommodation-related projects.
• Ensure all activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation, Council policies, procedures and service standards.

Key Working Relationships

The postholder will work closely with:

• Temporary accommodation and Housing Solutions teams
• Homelessness and housing officers
• Tenants and homeless households
• Private landlords
• Housing associations
• Accommodation providers
• Repairs contractors and suppliers
• External support agencies
• Other Council departments and services

Skills & Experience

• Experience of housing, tenancy, property or accommodation management.
• Understanding of temporary accommodation and/or homelessness services.
• Experience of dealing with tenants, landlords, contractors or external providers.
• Ability to manage rent arrears, repairs, complaints and tenancy-related issues.
• Good understanding of property health and safety requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple properties, cases and competing priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills.
• Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with vulnerable households.
• Good organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external organisations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage confidential information.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and resolve problems effectively.
• Understanding of relevant homelessness legislation and housing procedures is desirable.