Housing Options Manager - Families

Watford Borough Council; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Watford Borough Council is seeking an experienced housing and homelessness manager to lead its families housing options service within the homelessness operational service. The post focuses on building a housing advice and homeless prevention service, with a strong aim to reduce numbers in temporary accommodation.

The role carries line management of experienced officers and requires a proven record in change management and working with partners to deliver value-for-money services.

Qualifications

• Management experience in operational homeless services.
• Proven track record in change management.
• Extensive understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Working knowledge of local authority Allocations policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of experienced officers in the homelessness operational service
• Refocus the front line and create an effective housing advice and homeless prevention service
• Reduce numbers in temporary accommodation through prevention
• Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement within the housing service
• Lead service improvement and development in homelessness operations
• Support the team to develop and deliver excellent services
• Work collaboratively with partners to find solutions
• Deliver value-for-money services fit for the future

Skills

Effective communication

Team building

Problem solving

Personal credibility

Rapport with partners

Job description

Watford Borough Council wants an experienced housing and homelessness manager to lead its families housing options service through change. The post sits within the homelessness operational service and centres on building a housing advice and homeless prevention service, with a strong focus on reducing numbers in temporary accommodation. The role carries line management of experienced officers and calls for a proven record in change management and working with partners. No visa sponsorship is offered.

What the job involves

• Manage a team of experienced officers in the homelessness operational service
• Refocus the front line and create an effective housing advice and homeless prevention service
• Reduce numbers in temporary accommodation through prevention
• Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement within the housing service
• Lead service improvement and development in homelessness operations
• Support the team to develop and deliver excellent services
• Work collaboratively with partners to find solutions
• Deliver value-for-money services fit for the future

What’s required

Experience

• Management experience in operational homeless services
• Proven track record in change management
• Extensive understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act
• Working knowledge of local authority Allocations policies

Skills & knowledge

• Effective communication
• Team building skills
• Ability and motivation to solve problems
• Personal credibility
• Ability to build rapport and confidence with officers and partners

Checks & eligibility

• DBS check (basic or enhanced, as applicable)
• Right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship

Other

• Attendance at an assessment centre

What’s offered

• Support to develop personally and in specialist knowledge