Housing Solutions Leader — Front‑Line Services

Portsmouth; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a Housing Assessment & Advice Manager to lead the Assessment & Advice team within the Housing Needs, Advice & Support Service. You will oversee a multi-disciplinary team, manage resources, and ensure statutory duties are fulfilled with high-quality customer service.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting skills, and deep knowledge of housing options, homelessness legislation, and welfare reforms.

Qualifications

• Experience in a challenging front-line service.
• Ability to support and manage staff dealing with customers with social issues.
• Experience in managing or reviewing homeless decisions under relevant legislation.
• Understanding of private rented housing sector and landlord/tenant law.
• Ability to manage a budget and allocate resources effectively.
• Proven capability to motivate and lead a team and provide guidance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret legislation and contract arrangements for partners and customers.
• Awareness of welfare benefits system and implications of reforms.
• Commitment to safeguarding adults and children.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the Assessment & Advice team (approx. 30 FTE).
• Ensure delivery of housing allocation policy and rehousing duties.
• Provide front-line service to help customers with housing options and issues.
• Lead on staffing resource planning to meet service standards.
• Develop staff through coaching, training and performance guidance.
• Collaborate with partners and other agencies to secure outcomes for customers.

Skills

Staff management

Budget management

Housing/homeless services

Legislation interpretation

Leadership

Verbal and written communication

Multi-tasking

Project coordination

IT literacy (Excel)

Negotiation

Tools

Excel

Office software

Job description

Portsmouth City Council is seeking a Housing Assessment & Advice Manager to lead the Assessment & Advice team within the Housing Needs, Advice & Support Service. You will oversee a multi-disciplinary team, manage resources, and ensure statutory duties are fulfilled with high-quality customer service.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting skills, and deep knowledge of housing options, homelessness legislation, and welfare reforms.