Temporary Accommodation Officer

Temporary Accommodation Officer

• Pay Rate: £16.44 per hour PAYE
• Location: Trafford Council Sale Waterside, Trafford
• Job Type: Full-time, 3-month contract

Trafford Council are looking for a Temporary Accommodation Officer to join our Housing Options Service Trafford (HOST) Team. This role is crucial in providing support and managing the temporary/emergency accommodation needs of people in housing distress within the Trafford borough. The position involves a range of responsibilities from homelessness prevention to the management of temporary accommodations.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Provide support to households placed in temporary or emergency accommodation, ensuring they receive necessary support and advice.
• Maximise income and eradicate debts owed to the HOST Team for temporary/emergency accommodation.
• Protect vulnerable customers by ensuring all necessary licence agreements are issued and rent accounts are established.
• Work alongside the Temporary Accommodation ‘Move On’ Officer to ensure households have pathways in place to reduce time spent in temporary accommodation.
• Sign up new tenants into Temporary Accommodation and set up rental accounts promptly.
• Liaise with the Voids Team to ensure properties are prepared for new tenants in a timely manner.
• Offer support to customers in the Temporary Accommodation scheme, responding to queries related to tenancy issues, Universal Credit, Housing Benefits, and rent account issues.
• Input and reconcile incoming Housing Benefit payments for HOST while monitoring and resolving all rent arrears enquiries, including initiating recovery action and negotiating repayment plans with tenants.
• Maintain regular contact with tenants through various communication methods and manage legal actions when necessary.
• Prioritise workload to focus on reducing the level of debt owed to HOST.
• Maintain accurate electronic records and use IT systems to manage rent and arrears collection efficiently, produce rent account statements, and create regular statistics/progress reports.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in housing, tenancy, resettlement, or support-related services.
• Proven ability to support vulnerable individuals towards independent living.
• Strong partnership creation skills with stakeholders, providers, and landlords.
• In-depth knowledge of housing support and homelessness prevention legislation.
• Understanding of financial control principles and procedures.
• Proficient in conducting interviews and home visits, offering tailored solutions in accordance with legislation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant IT software.
• A Valid Enhanced DBS on the update service will be required
• Full Valid UK Driving Licence, and access to a vehicle

Benefits:

To apply for this Temporary Accommodation Officer position, please sens your cv to