Temporary Accommodation Officer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Temporary Accommodation Officer to help manage temporary accommodation services, support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and ensure accommodation is allocated safely and to high standards.

You will work with residents, housing colleagues, contractors and partner organisations to deliver high-quality services that improve housing stability and outcomes for Somerset residents.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of housing legislation and homelessness services.
• Experience in housing or a related service supporting vulnerable people.
• Understanding of welfare benefits and related support services.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of temporary accommodation across Somerset.
• Coordinate placements to ensure appropriate and efficient housing.
• Support residents with advice, guidance and access to services.
• Manage tenancy agreements, sign-ups, terminations and issues.
• Ensure properties are well maintained and safe.
• Monitor rent accounts and assist with arrears.
• Carry out property inspections and ensure health and safety compliance.
• Respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour and tenancy breaches.
• Participate in an out-of-hours emergency rota.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to service improvements.

Skills

Housing knowledge

Experience in housing

Welfare benefits understanding

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Housing management qualifications

Education

Relevant housing management qualification

Job description

Salary: Grade 12 - £29,542 to £33,119 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 2 years

Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role

As a Temporary Accommodation Officer, you'll play a key role in managing Somerset Council's temporary accommodation services, supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. You'll ensure temporary accommodation is allocated effectively, maintained to a high standard and provides a safe environment for residents while they work towards longer-term housing solutions.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you'll work closely with residents, housing colleagues, contractors and partner organisations to deliver high-quality services that help improve housing stability and support positive outcomes for Somerset residents.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Manage the day-to-day operation of temporary accommodation services across Somerset.
• Coordinate placements to ensure households are accommodated appropriately and efficiently.
• Support residents living in temporary accommodation, providing advice, guidance and access to relevant services.
• Manage tenancy agreements, including sign-ups, terminations and tenancy-related issues.
• Work with contractors and colleagues to ensure temporary accommodation properties are well maintained and fit for purpose.
• Monitor rent accounts, support rent collection activities and help manage arrears.
• Carry out property inspections and ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Respond appropriately to incidents of anti-social behaviour and tenancy breaches.
• Participate in an out-of-hours emergency rota to support homelessness responses and accommodation-related incidents.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the continuous improvement of temporary accommodation services.

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness services, tenancy management and housing-related support.
• Experience working within housing or a related service, supporting vulnerable individuals and families to achieve positive outcomes.
• Understanding of welfare benefits, support services and the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with customers, colleagues and partner agencies.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Relevant qualifications or significant experience within housing management, social work or a related field

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• This role can be based at any Somerset Council office location, with hybrid working arrangements available in line with service requirements. Somerset Council's Dynamic Working Strategy applies to this position.
• The role includes participation in an out-of-hours emergency standby rota and may require travel across Somerset as part of service delivery.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact, Sam Wenden-de-Lira, Head of Service by emailing [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0151 Temporary Accommodation Officer