Accommodation Change Officer

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Accommodation Change Officer to join our Contracts and Commissioning Team. The Contracts and Commissioning Team are responsible for responsible for commissioning services (where possible co-producing them) that meet health & social care needs across all specialist services; working with Quality Monitoring & Safeguarding Teams to ensure service providers are delivering high quality services as well as adhering to their contract. The team is responsible for developing housing solutions and supporting Operational Teams with co-ordinating packages in line with the Housing with Support Strategy. We work closely with Children’s commissioning to support pathways to adulthood.

We support providers with their training requirements, as well as supporting them with recruitment and retention initiatives.

We have a dedicated policy and strategy officer to oversee and develop a variety of commissioning strategies and link in with the wider directorate.

In this role, you will work alongside the Contracts & Commissioning Service, Housing Solutions and Mental Health service to facilitate timely and appropriate hospital discharges to prevent homelessness and bed blocking. We're looking for a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as an Accommodation Change Officer at North Somerset Council. In this crucial role, you'll be instrumental in preventing homelessness by ensuring timely and appropriate hospital discharges for clients. You'll be the primary point of contact for individuals experiencing homelessness as they leave the hospital, assessing their needs, determining suitable housing options, and navigating complex situations within a legislative framework. This position involves direct client engagement, collaborative work with various services and professionals, and a commitment to developing personalised housing plans to support vulnerable individuals in our community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate hospital discharges in collaboration with Contracts & Commissioning, Housing Solutions, and Mental Health services to prevent homelessness and bed blocking.
• Serve as the primary contact for homeless clients leaving hospital, assessing circumstances, social care needs, and housing options.
• Conduct hospital visits to work directly with clients, social workers, families, and other professionals for effective accommodation and support.
• Carry out homelessness enquiries and make legislative decisions, developing personalised housing plans.
• Manage a caseload, recording details on relevant case management systems and recommending decisions aligned with Council duties and best practice.
• Attend partnership meetings and act as a liaison for landlords and care providers to resolve issues.
• Apply understanding of mental health and mental capacity in client and organisational interactions.
• Develop professional networks to support individuals.
• Support the development of housing schemes with support, collaborating with relevant strategy, policy, and commissioning officers.
• Assist in appointing care providers for new housing schemes, managing referrals, cost-benefit analysis, uptake, and move-in coordination.
• Contribute to service quality and ensure compliance with current and future legislative requirements.
• Prepare progress and performance reports.
• Adhere to the council’s Equality policy in all duties.
• Contribute to the supervision, management, and development of colleagues to enhance service delivery.
• Provide information and advice to colleagues and managers, maintaining inter-professional links for clear understanding.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Adult Social Care and Housing, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Extensive practical experience of working within social care, housing or health-giving rise to a sound understanding of the standards, legal responsibilities, work practices and processes relevant to the role.
• NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualifications to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of technical standards, safe working practices and legislation for supported living.
• Ability to analyse designated areas of work and make decisions to improve them.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders, service users and partner agencies to achieve the council’s priorities and understand and manage expectations.
• Ability to prepare & present information clearly and confidently.
• Ability to manage/organise own work to meet agreed deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding protocols and procedures.
• Understanding mental health and mental capacity issues and be able to apply this when working with people and organisations.
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (relevant applications and checks will be carried out before any job offer is confirmed).

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge or experience of project management.
• Experience of monitoring others within the same field of work or ability to contribute to the supervision, management and development of others to improve service standards and delivery and share best practice.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Rob Hepworth, Accommodation Change Manager, at Rob.Hepworth@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 427397.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: TBC.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.