Private Sector Renewal Officer

Part Time - 30 Hours Per Week - Permanent

Are you passionate about improving housing standards and making a real difference in people's lives? Join our Housing Adaptations & Grants Team at Reading Borough Council as a Private Sector Renewal Officer and contribute to a healthier, safer community.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

 

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

 

About the role

 

As a Private Sector Renewal Officer, you will provide specialist advice and support to private sector residents, helping them access funding for adaptations and essential repairs and alternative housing options. You will play a key role in ensuring individuals can remain living independently in their homes by facilitating disabled adaptations and home improvements.

 

What You’ll Do:

 

• Conduct home visits to assess customer needs and provide housing options.
• Support customers with grant and loan applications, including means testing.
• Ensure residents receive benefits and financial assistance they are entitled to.
• Work closely with Technical Officers, Occupational Therapists and multi-agency partners for swift resolutions.
• Maintain accurate case files and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to service improvements and stay up to date with housing legislation.

 

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

 

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

 

About you

 

The ideal candidate will have experience in disabled adaptations along with a strong understanding of welfare benefits and the legislation and guidance relating to Disabled Facilities Grants. Excellent communication and customer care skills are essential, coupled with a proactive approach to engaging with residents and stakeholders.

The role requires the ability to manage a diverse caseload efficiently, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. Proficiency in Word, Excel and databases such as Arcus, as well as maintaining accurate records, is crucial. Above all, a passion for improving housing conditions and delivering high-quality service is key to success in this role.

 

Our offer

 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities 
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

 

For more information on this position please contact Carla Thomas-Bellamy, Housing Adaptations & Grants Team Manager on 0118 937 3102 or at carla.thomas-bellamy@reading.gov.uk    

Closing Date: 21st May 2025

Interview Date: 27th May 2025

 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.