4Recruitment Services are seeking  a Temporary Accommodation Officer to work for a client in Maidenhead.

The post holder will work within the Temporary Accommodation Team, alongside the Housing Options and Resettlement Teams, to support individuals and families living in temporary accommodation. The role involves ensuring that all temporary housing is safe, suitable, and compliant with relevant standards. You will be responsible for the letting and day-to-day management of temporary accommodation provided to homeless households.

Purpose of the role:

• To deliver an efficient temporary accommodation service, ensuring that properties used are to an appropriate standard whilst providing value for money.
• The procurement of accommodation, both temporary and Assured Short-hold Tenancies for the effective discharge of main homelessness duty
• Inspections of new TA properties and cyclical inspection of on-going properties already in use
• Setting up accommodation charges accounts for all residents in TA and ensuring accommodation charges are correctly calculated and applied
• Accurate recording of accommodation charges and chasing of arrears
• Maintenance and updating of all TA placements and cessations 

This is a hybrid role but office attendance for the requirements of the business area will mean that might be in 3 to 4 times per week and will need to be able to attend the Town Hall for duty days and to cover the front desk.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• To ensure the timely inspection of temporary accommodation properties, both new and on a cyclical basis to confirm suitability and condition
• To arrange and book placements into temporary accommodation for those referred by the housing options team.
• Under the supervision of the Deputy Head of Housing ensure the Authority’s statutory duties for the provision of interim / temporary accommodation under housing and homelessness legislation and any other relevant law are correctly  administered
• To work effectively with external agencies who provide accommodation to the council and internal services such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax  and Environmental Health.
• To work closely with the Housing Options Team ensuring a seamless process for customers between both elements of the service
• To ensure the accurate and up-to-date maintenance of all property and customer records.
• To support the Deputy head of Housing to reduce the expenditure of temporary accommodation wherever possible.
• To ensure invoices for accommodation charges are raised promptly and outstanding debts are collected quickly.
• To ensure re-charges for costs incurred due to damage to properties / removal of furnishings are recorded and customers invoiced appropriately
• To support effective communication and partnership working with all internal and external stakeholders including Housing Benefit, Probation/Police, Housing Associations, Children’s Services and Domestic abuse services.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Experience in relevant field.
• A comprehensive understanding and awareness of housing issues and  government policy relating to homelessness and the duty to provide  temporary accommodation
• Must have a sound understanding of the need for confidentiality and the Data Protection Act
• Proven ability to manage difficult situations remaining calm, friendly and professional
• Ability to collate, analyse and report on statistical data as required
• Experience of working in a busy, front line, customer-focused team.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Basic DBS check

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on 0800 988 6307 or email  gpadmin@4recruitmentservices.com.