Description
MRJ Associates are working on behalf of our client Tower Hamlet Council who are recruiting for Bookings & Emergency Accommodation Officer within the Local Authority paying up to £29.29ph.
YOUR NEW CONTRACT
* Minimum 3 Months contract – Starting ASAP
* 35 hours per week across a 5-day rota.
* Payrate up to £29.29 per hour (Umbrella)
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION
To assess the accommodation needs of homeless applicants and undertake all procedures for booking customers into emergency, self-contained temporary and permanent accommodation, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, guidance governing the suitability of accommodation and Council policies, procedures and targets
To manage a caseload of applicants accommodated under homelessness duties and powers in bed & breakfast accommodation and liaising with the lead officer dealing with the homelessness assessment to ensure all enquiries are completed in a timely manner, bringing concerns to the attention of the Team Principal or Team Manager as appropriate
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* To ensure customers receive, either directly or through referral to relevant teams/agencies, appropriate advice on their options, providing information in advance of transfer to self-contained accommodation so that properties are suitable first-time round
* To be responsible for ensuring the quality of designated hotels, undertaking inspections and running on-site surgeries as directed
* To conduct inspections of designated hotels as directed, to confirm landlord compliance with service standards, referring to enforcement agencies as appropriate
* Verify clients’ occupation and compliance with conditions of licence, holding regular surgeries at designated hotels to facilitate efficient casework and minimise ad hoc queries and complaints
* To ensure that licensees in B&B accommodation abide by the conditions of licence paying particular attention to rental payments, ensuring tenant-like conduct and occupation, taking enforcement action, including booking closures and ensuring correct duty cessation letters are issued in accordance with procedures; referring complex cases to other specialist Teams as directed
* To make sure the rehousing and resettlement needs of the customer are clearly established and understood with adequate records provided, having particular regard to the need to support vulnerable households
* To ensure the efficient progression of all verbal and written enquiries/ complaints and gather information as required in order to help progress responses to review requests and other enquiries
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY
* An understanding of the duties owed to customers threatened with homelessness/actual
* Homelessness under relevant legislation
* An awareness of the services available to customers seeking help and accommodation provided by other organisations, both statutory and voluntary, including those beyond housing such as health & well-being, employment & education
* Knowledge of relevant Landlord and Tenant Legislation, Family and
* Immigration law, welfare and housing benefits
* Knowledge of the Children Act and Community Care Act, and associated case law as they relate to the Council’s duties to homeless households
* Knowledge of the principles and processes of managing rent accounts
* Demonstrable experience of working with customers giving advice within a housing or similar service
* Experience of working in a demanding environment with the general public
* Experience of managing a housing patch or caseload covering at least one of the following areas:
* Tenancy Management
* Property Management
* Income management
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW
If you are interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now
