Housing Resettlement and Accommodation Officer

Are you passionate about helping residents access safe and suitable accommodation? We are looking for a Housing Resettlement and Accommodation Officer to join our Housing Options and Solutions Team and support the delivery of high quality temporary accommodation, resettlement and housing support services across the Sevenoaks District.

This is an important new role within the Housing Resettlement and Accommodation Team, created as part of the Council’s recent Housing Service restructure. You will support the Housing Resettlement and Accommodation Team Leader with the day to day operation of the team, helping the Council meet its statutory homelessness and accommodation duties while providing practical support to vulnerable households.

About the role

Working closely with colleagues, housing providers, Kent County Council and partner agencies, you will help secure and manage temporary or alternative accommodation, support resettlement activity, assist with the Mother and Baby unit including carrying out welfare and residence checks, and contribute to housing service improvements and new legislation. The role will involve handling enquiries, coordinating property matching and move ins, monitoring households in temporary accommodation including carrying out visits, supporting income recovery and maintaining accurate records.

About you

We are looking for someone with local authority housing experience, including advising customers and ideally procuring suitable temporary accommodation. You will understand key housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and be organised enough to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

You will be customer focused, empathetic and non-judgemental, with strong communication, negotiation and mediation skills. You should be confident working with vulnerable customers, landlords, accommodation providers and partner agencies, able to use Microsoft Office and housing systems effectively, and able to keep accurate records.

You will need GCSEs at grades A to C, or equivalent, including Maths and English. An NVQ Level 2 in Housing or Customer Care would be desirable. A basic DBS check, full driving licence and access to a car for business use are required.

This role will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid working model for the majority of our roles where your working time will be divided between the office (2-3 days) and home working (2-3 days).

Do you want to know more about the role?

Please contact Daniel Watts, Housing Resettlement and Accommodation Team Leader or Stephen Tring, Housing Options and Solutions Manager on 01732 2272000 for an informal discussion about the role.

Equal Opportunities:
Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Application notes:
Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing human.resources@sevenoaks.gov.uk to discuss how we can assist you in applying.