Accommodation Officer x2 Ref: 09-25

Salary: Grade 9, starting at £24,916 per annum (pay award pending)
Hours: Full time, 37 per week
Basis: Permanent
Place of Work: Dereham, Thetford and travel across the district or further afield

After a review of the Housing and Communities service we are excited to be expanding our service and we have a number of rewarding positions available.   Some of these are technical and specialist positions, ideal for individuals with knowledge and experience in housing legislation and some are more public-facing roles, which are perfect for those who excel at connecting with people, fostering relationships, and creating a welcoming environment.

We are recruiting to two Accommodation Officer roles.   For this role, would you like a job where what you do:

For this role, would you like a job where what you do:

• Provides accommodation and related services to people who need somewhere to stay?
• Makes the most of your interpersonal skills and your empathy?
• Challenges you to be creative and resourceful?
• Links across the housing service to help assist and advise those who need it most, often facing challenging circumstances?

About you:

Your qualities and behaviours are as important to us as your work experience.  Is this you?

• '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 have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'
• 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'
• '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 take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'
• '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.'

OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?

As an Accommodation Officer you will:

• Manage the Council's temporary accommodation arrangements, including its own stock, making placements into housing association temporary stock, hostels and nightly paid accommodation, ensuring licence agreements are signed by all parties, HB benefit claims are submitted to ARP, customers understand what they need to pay and have a means of paying their charges. 
• Provide a range of support to clients in temporary accommodation, including welfare benefits advice, tenancy support and to work with other agencies to promote and safeguard the welfare of clients in temporary accommodation.
• Liaise with accommodation providers, particularly nightly paid establishments, to ensure that accommodation meets agreed standards and to visit temporary accommodation regularly to check the conditions of properties.
• Have oversight of arrangements with accommodation providers including checking that residents are occupying the accommodation and processing payments to accommodation providers.
• Support the Accommodation Team Leader to research and secure alternative sources of emergency accommodation provision.

Please see the job description and person specification for more a comprehensive list of duties that the role normally entails as you could be asked to occasionally pick up other responsibilities, and also for the personal qualities needed.

Please be aware that applicants who do not submit a supporting statement showing how they meet the person specification will not be considered for interview.

Closing date - 9am, Monday 28^th April