Senior Technical Officer (Housing) x2 Ref: 06-25

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

A detailed understanding of current housing, housing allocations and homelessness law, policy and practice.

Experience of applying the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 with the ability to prove a history of timely and accurate decision making.

A working knowledge of:

• Landlord and tenant law
• The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
• Public Health Act 1936
• Welfare rights
• Debt counselling

Proven experience of the motivation, development and management of individuals and teams

Proven experience of developing services across partnerships

Demonstrable experience of the effective handling of queries from members of the public and their representatives.

A detailed understanding of the wider Housing context

Familiarity with the concepts and practice of partnership working

Desirable

• Strategic thinking and forward planning skills
• Budget management skills
• Mediation skills
• Debt counselling skills
• Political awareness skills

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level standard or equivalent qualification, or demonstrable significant and relevant experience of working in housing advice, homelessness, housing support, social welfare or debt advice environment

Desirable

• HNC in Housing Studies
• Relevant management qualification
• Member/Practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Housing

Strengths

Essential

• Supervisory, leadership and performance management skills, including the ability to motivate individuals and individuals and teams to perform their best and grow.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to innovate and communicate new ideas effectively.
• Excellent organisational, decision making and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build and support partnership working and collaborate with others
• Self-motivated and with an ability to deliver on new initiatives and projects.

Desirable

• Strategic thinking and an ability to turn ideas into policies and strategies.
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Excellent ICT skills
• Ability to give and receive feedback constructively

Essential Behaviours

Collaborative:

• 'I look for ways to work in partnership with colleagues across services, Members and external partners #oneteam'
• 'I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input'
• 'I listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge'
• 'I celebrate success with my colleagues'

Ambitious:

• 'I am a proud ambassador for the Council, taking pride and responsibility for the work we do and encouraging others to do the same'
• 'I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'
• 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'
• 'I work hard to build relationships inside and outside my own area of work'

Results Driven:

• 'I am flexible ensuring I provide the best possible service, wherever and whenever is best for the customer'
• 'I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan'
• 'I understand our council priorities and how I make a difference.'
• 'I keep to my promises and challenge myself and others to deliver high-quality services'
• 'I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions'

Empowering:

• 'I show energy and drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo'
• 'I embrace new technology and look for new ways for our services to become digital not forgetting to be accessible for all'
• 'I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'
• 'I look for and act on opportunities where we can generate an income or drive down costs'
• 'I appropriately challenge unacceptable behaviour'
• 'I ask for help and support when needed'

Supportive:

• 'I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience'
• 'I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me.'
• 'I treat others as I would want to be treated myself ensuring I am welcoming, friendly and approachable'
• 'I care for my colleagues, taking an interest in them, showing support for their personal identities and what's important to them'
• 'I trust colleagues to do their job knowing this may not always be visible in a traditional 9-5 work pattern'
• 'I give time to colleagues who need help or support, even when the pressure is on'

Mental Demands

The post holder will have strong commitment to and understanding of the 'homelessness prevention' agenda. Strong commitment to the provision of excellent customer service, prepared to take initiative, identify opportunities and take an outcome-orientated approach to addressing challenges. Prepared to take decisions in a busy environment and be prepared to work in a way which supports and manages the performance of the wider team. Committed to equal opportunities and service delivery

Physical Demands

• Able and willing to meet the demands of the post e.g. dealing with aggrieved and agitated people.
• Possession of a driving licence and permitted to drive in the UK.
• The post holder will recognise and be able to adapt to a fast-paced reactive service where they will be required to reprioritise their workload dependant on the demand into the service.
• The demands on the service are great and is likely to expose the post holder to significant stress while they are required to maintain a calm approach and provide support to staff who may also be impacted by service demands i.e. staying late, dealing with complex, highly charged and often emotional situations. 
• The post holder will be required to use a range of IT systems, wide use of PC screens and typing for prolonged periods of time.

Health & Safety (exposure to risk)

• The post holder may be required to work as a lone worker, driving across the district and outside the district.
• The post holder will be required to enter the homes of Breckland customers for site visits from time to time.
• The post holder may need to deal with challenging, aggrieved and agitated people from time to time
• Exposure to some personal and sensitive data and records which could affect mental well being.