Private Rented Sector Discharge Officer

Connect2Luton; Caddington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Caddington is seeking a Private Rented Sector Discharge Officer. This role involves liaising with landlords to secure properties, conducting assessments, and providing tenancy-related advice to families in temporary accommodation. The ideal candidate should have experience in a housing environment, strong communication skills, and knowledge of housing legislation. This opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact on vulnerable households.

Qualifications

• Experience in a busy housing environment meeting set targets.
• Work with vulnerable individuals and families with complex needs.
• Knowledge of Housing and Homelessness legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to households in Temporary Accommodation.
• Undertake suitability assessments considering various factors.
• Liaise with landlords to secure suitable rental properties.
• Monitor bidding activities and ensure compliance with policies.
• Complete financial assessments and issue discharge decisions.

Skills

Communication skills

Numerical skills

Teamwork

Negotiation skills

Education

NVQ level 3 in a relevant vocational subject

GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English

Job description

Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Private Rented Sector Discharge Officer on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

The main purpose of this position is to liaise with landlords and agents to secure properties and undertake assessments on clients to ensure a private rented tenancy is suitable for them. The officer will assess the suitability of the property and provide tenancy-related advice and support to help households maintain an existing tenancy or move on from temporary accommodation into their own permanent home.

The post holder will also be responsible for monitoring the choice-based lettings bidding of accepted homeless households to ensure compliance with the council's allocations policy and intervene as necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Visit/work with households in Temporary Accommodation (TA) to provide advice and guidance on the full range of housing options available to them and manage their expectations.
• Undertake detailed suitability assessments, considering factors such as the physical condition of the accommodation, location, affordability, overcrowding, and risk of violence.
• Liaise with landlords and agents to secure properties and undertake assessments on clients to ensure a private rented tenancy is suitable for them.
• Monitor bidding activity across households in TA and offer support to those households who require assistance, ensuring compliance with the council's allocations policy.
• Undertake casework, including completion of financial affordability assessments, assessing suitability of properties, and issuing discharge of the duty decisions.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience of working in a busy and pressurized environment as part of a team to achieve set targets and outcomes within a housing arena.
• Demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable individuals and families with complex needs.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and provide advice.
• Good numerical skills to carry out affordability tests and recommend financial awards/grants/loans.
• Able to work under pressure, manage competing work demands, and achieve targets.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Housing and Homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, parts VI and VII, as amended.
• NVQ level 3 in a relevant vocational subject related to Housing or equivalent work experience or training.
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.

Luton Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.