Temporary Accommodation Reduction Specialist – AR

Job Details

Job description

As part of Thurrock Council’s Housing Solutions Transformation Programme, the Temporary Accommodation Reduction Specialist will lead and coordinate a dedicated team focused on reducing the number of households living in Temporary Accommodation (TA).

The role will be responsible for driving a proactive and outcomes-focused approach to reducing reliance on TA by identifying, securing and maximising alternative housing options including Private Rented Sector (PRS) accommodation, social housing opportunities, move-on pathways and innovative housing solutions.

The postholder will provide leadership and strategic oversight to ensure residents move through temporary accommodation as quickly and sustainably as possible, improving resident outcomes whilst reducing demand pressures and financial costs associated with TA.

The role will support delivery of the Homelessness Transformation Programme through service redesign, partnership working, performance improvement and development of new approaches to accommodation supply.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership and Delivery

  • Lead, manage and develop a dedicated Temporary Accommodation Reduction Team.
  • Create a high-performance culture focused on achieving measurable reductions in temporary accommodation numbers and length of stay.
  • Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and accountability arrangements.
  • Monitor and drive team performance against agreed targets and outcomes.
  • Support staff development, coaching and continuous improvement.

Temporary Accommodation Reduction Strategy

  • Lead delivery of initiatives designed to reduce the number of households within temporary accommodation.
  • Develop and implement practical solutions and pathways that support sustainable move-on arrangements.
  • Identify barriers preventing residents moving on from temporary accommodation and implement solutions.
  • Ensure approaches support both immediate reduction activity and longer-term prevention outcomes.
  • Develop innovative approaches to increase accommodation supply.

Private Rented Sector and Housing Supply

  • Lead work to increase access to suitable Private Rented Sector accommodation.
  • Build strong relationships with landlords, providers, developers and accommodation partners.
  • Explore incentives and partnership arrangements to increase housing options.
  • Work collaboratively with housing providers to maximise social housing opportunities.
  • Identify opportunities for alternative accommodation solutions including modular accommodation and other innovative approaches.

Transformation and Improvement

  • Act as a lead contributor to Thurrock’s Housing Solutions Transformation Programme.
  • Support redesign of systems, processes and pathways that improve resident flow and reduce demand pressures.
  • Identify opportunities for service improvement using insight, data and operational learning.
  • Lead projects and workstreams aligned to transformation priorities.

Partnership Working

  • Build strong relationships across council services including Housing, Adults, Children’s Services, Public Health and external agencies.
  • Work collaboratively with partners to improve move-on arrangements and remove barriers.
  • Represent the service at partnership meetings and strategic forums.
  • Support development of integrated approaches to homelessness prevention and accommodation provision.

Performance, Data and Financial Management

  • Monitor performance data and identify trends impacting temporary accommodation demand.
  • Produce reports, briefings and recommendations for senior management.
  • Support effective budget management and identification of financial efficiencies.
  • Contribute to reducing financial pressures associated with temporary accommodation.
  • Use data and insight to drive decision-making and service improvement.

General Responsibilities

  • Ensure services operate in accordance with housing legislation, policy and statutory guidance.
  • Promote safeguarding responsibilities and resident wellbeing.
  • Champion equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Undertake other duties commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Experience

  • Significant experience within homelessness, housing solutions, housing management or temporary accommodation services.
  • Experience leading teams and driving service improvement.
  • Strong understanding of homelessness legislation and housing duties.
  • Experience developing housing pathways and move-on solutions.
  • Experience working with Private Rented Sector providers and housing partners.
  • Experience managing complex resident cases and housing challenges.
  • Experience of partnership working across multiple agencies.
  • Experience using performance information and data to drive improvement.

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.

Desirable

  • Housing qualification or relevant professional qualification.
  • Project or transformation experience.
  • Knowledge of housing supply initiatives and accommodation markets.
  • Experience delivering change programmes.

Success Measures

  • Reduction in number of households in temporary accommodation.
  • Reduction in average length of stay in temporary accommodation.
  • Increase in successful move-on outcomes.
  • Increased use of PRS and alternative accommodation pathways.
  • Improved resident outcomes and customer experience.
  • Reduction in temporary accommodation expenditure.
  • Delivery of agreed transformation milestones.