Homeless Accommodation Officer

Gloucester City Homes; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused housing association is seeking a Homeless Accommodation Officer to manage daily operations of the Next Steps Accommodation Programme in Gloucester. The role involves ensuring effective letting of properties, regular contact with vulnerable residents, and supporting their well-being. Ideal candidates will have experience with homeless individuals, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of homeless legislation. Join a dedicated team committed to improving lives.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of homelessness issues and available services.
• Up-to-date knowledge of homeless legislation.
• Experience dealing with clients in difficult situations.
• Understanding GDPR principles and safeguarding responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operation of accommodation services.
• Conduct inspections of properties and manage repairs.
• Ensure regular contact with vulnerable residents.
• Support customers in accessing long-term accommodation.

Skills

Experience working with homeless and/or vulnerable people

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in IT systems

Understanding of Health & Safety law

Interpersonal and negotiation skills

Job description

We're seeking a Homeless Accommodation Officer to be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of our Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP) properties at our Serco House scheme in Quedgeley, Gloucester. As part of GCH's Supported Housing Services Team, you'll play a vital role in ensuring Serco House, and our customers' tenancies, are well managed and that all customers can access the support they need to thrive and move on to permanent, independent accommodation. You'll manage the daily operation of our service, ensuring the effective letting of properties to those most in need; ensuring regular contact with vulnerable residents and supporting their well‑being by identifying long term accommodation needs and offering advice, signposting and guidance on a multi‑agency basis. Conducting inspections of Serco House accommodation and taking ownership of raising and checking the completion of activities related to the property, communal repairs, and neighbourhood cleanliness/condition, you'll manage any breach of licences and ensure that appropriate action is taken, liaising with the Intervention Officer or Income Officer where appropriate.

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience working with homeless and/or vulnerable people.
• Good understanding of the problems associated with homelessness and the services and benefits available.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of homeless legislation and best practice and its implications for customers and housing organisations.
• Experience dealing effectively and proactively with clients in difficult situations where it is not always possible to meet customer needs/wishes.
• Proficiency in IT systems, including PCs, mobile phones, digital cameras and PDAs, to gather, store and process information, with an understanding of the benefits of IT to monitor & enhance service delivery.
• Understanding of GDPR principles, safeguarding responsibilities and processes, and the importance of assessing risk related to people and property.
• Understanding of Health & Safety law, practice and compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with a strong customer focus.

Are you passionate about improving people's lives? At GCH we Adapt, we Inspire, we Own it and we Care. We live by our values and are dedicated to delivering on our commitment to customers. If that sounds like you, why not join us?

Gloucester City Homes (GCH) is an independent Housing Association with deep roots in the City of Gloucester and surrounding area, going back over 100 years. We currently support approximately 12,500 customers living in around 5,000 homes.