Private Rented Sector Officer

This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 12 months; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed. If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

We are seeking a Private Rented Sector Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.

You will be required to help source accommodation in the private sector for households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. To create and develop positive relationships with local landlords and letting agents, negotiating the use of accommodation. Aim to reduce the demand on the Council’s emergency homeless accommodation by increasing the availability of accommodation in the private sector.

Working to prevent families having to experience homelessness, and assist homeless families into new homes, alongside the Housing Options and Temporary Accommodation teams. Be able to promote One Medway Lettings as well as negotiate financial packages with potential Landlords and process payments. Maximise income by effective and efficient recovery of debt owing to the Council via the Rent in Advance and Deposit Loan Scheme and by undertaking inspections of properties to verify claims made by Landlords/Agents against deposit bonds at the end of tenancies Match up prospective tenants with suitable accommodation, including completing with them an affordability assessment.

Assist them to secure such accommodation by negotiating financial packages with the Landlord/Agent, preparing and processing payments to secure that accommodation, and assisting to complete any required paperwork. Work with households assisted under the scheme to sustain and manage their tenancies, including proactively seeking to establish and foster good relationships between parties, and being available to assist the household or Landlord/Agent to resolve any issues arising which might jeopardise the tenancy.

Ensure that the properties meet the Councils required standards by carrying out Housing inspections in accordance to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Reporting on its condition and following up with Schedule of Work recommending appropriate action to be taken. To provide a customer focused, pro-active service to help homeless applicants to secure suitable accommodation to prevent or relieve their homelessness. Alongside their main duties, the post holder may also be required to carry out any other duties that are consistent with their grade and which might reasonably be asked of them.

Liaise with stakeholders in a way that promotes the One Medway Council Plan and embeds our values and behaviours.

The successful post holder will be subject to a Standard DBS check.

If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please e-mail Charlotte Evans on charlotte.evans@medway.gov.uk

Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.

When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.

The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:

Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.

Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.

Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.