Job Details
Job Title: Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer
Purpose of the Role
To assess, secure, and manage suitable temporary and private sector accommodation for homeless households in line with the Council’s statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996. The post holder will be responsible for placing clients into appropriate accommodation, managing rent accounts, coordinating support for vulnerable clients, and ensuring the effective discharge of homelessness duties while helping to reduce the cost of temporary accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
Accommodation & Lettings
• Match suitable clients to appropriate accommodation, including Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and other temporary accommodation options.
• Set up and manage properties and tenancies on the Housing Management System.
• Set up, manage, and close rent accounts accurately and in a timely manner.
• Offer suitable accommodation in accordance with legislation and policy, enforce offers where required, and complete the discharge of duty.
• Negotiate with landlords and managing agents to secure suitable and cost-effective temporary accommodation.
Homelessness Duties & Legal Compliance
• Manage cases under Section 188 (interim duty) and Section 193 (main housing duty) of the Housing Act 1996.
• Issue final notifications and complete legal discharge of duty decisions in line with statutory requirements.
• Liaise with Legal, Medical, and Review Teams to ensure decisions are lawful, robust, and defensible.
Assessments & Vulnerable Clients
• Complete suitability and affordability assessments for all accommodation offers.
• Undertake risk assessments for vulnerable clients, identifying safeguarding and support needs.
• Work closely with clients to support move-on from temporary accommodation into more suitable and sustainable housing options.
Multi-Agency & Partnership Working
• Liaise with external agencies including Social Services, Mental Health Services, and other support providers to ensure appropriate accommodation placements.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings to support accommodation offers and housing outcomes.
Temporary Accommodation Management & Cost Reduction
• Lead on key workstreams aimed at reducing the cost of temporary accommodation, including moving clients into lower-cost accommodation.
• Manage decant projects, ensuring households are safely and appropriately rehoused during works.
• Liaise with repairs contractors to address disrepair issues and ensure accommodation standards are maintained.
Complaints & Enquiries
• Respond professionally and effectively to complaints and enquiries, including Member Enquiries (ME), MP enquiries, and correspondence from senior officers (CEDO).
Essential Knowledge & Experience
• Proven experience working within Temporary Accommodation and/or Accommodation Lettings in a local authority or similar setting.
• Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly Section 188 and Section 193, final notifications, and discharge of duty.
• Experience completing suitability, affordability, and risk assessments.
• Experience working with vulnerable clients and multi-agency partners.
• Ability to negotiate with landlords and agents and manage rent-related processes.
Skills & Competencies
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong case management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Confident decision-making within a legal and policy framewor
