Housing Officer - Rough Sleeping Initiative

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a passionate Specialist Housing Officer to manage accommodations for former rough sleepers. In this vital role, you will oversee tenancy agreements, ensure property maintenance, and work closely with social care teams to support vulnerable clients towards stable housing solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing management or homelessness services preferred.
• Access to a vehicle and a full UK driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Managing tenancy and licence agreements for rough sleeper accommodation.
• Ensuring properties are safe and compliant.
• Supporting tenancy sustainment and promoting independent living skills.
• Liaising with support services and care teams.

Skills

Customer service skills

Tenancy management

Property management

Building positive relationships

Flexibility

Resilience

Job description

Are you passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives?

We’re looking for a committed Specialist Housing Officer to manage dedicated accommodation for former rough sleepers, supporting individuals with complex needs to sustain safe and secure housing.

In this rewarding role, you’ll be responsible for tenancy and property management across our specialist Rough Sleeping Initiative (RSI) units. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Housing Options, Housing Register and Lettings, Housing Strategy, Adult and Children’s Social Care, and a range of support providers to help vulnerable clients rebuild their lives and move forward towards long-term housing solutions.

If you're practical, empathetic, and ready to make a difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Managing tenancy and licence agreements for rough sleeper accommodation

Ensuring properties are safe, compliant, and maintained to a high standard

Supporting tenancy sustainment and promoting independent living skills

Liaising closely with support services, social care teams, and partner agencies to wrap support around residents

Managing tenancy breaches, safeguarding concerns, and property-related risks appropriately

Facilitating timely move-ins and move-ons, working with Housing Options and the Rough Sleeper Project Group

Contributing to service improvement by helping shape policies, procedures, and system processes

What We’re Looking For

• a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals and preventing homelessness
• good tenancy management, property management, and customer service skills
• the ability to build positive working relationships across a wide range of partners
• a flexible, practical, and resilient approach to working in a dynamic environment
• access to a vehicle and a full UK driving licence (essential for this role)
  
  

Experience in housing management, homelessness services, or working with rough sleepers would be helpful, but if you have the right attitude, empathy, and a commitment to learning, we will support you to build the skills needed.