Neighbourhood Housing Officer

Civic Recruitment Limited; Kettering (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting for a Housing Officer on a 3-month contract with a local authority. The role delivers front-line housing management services to council tenants and leaseholders, focusing on customer service, tenancy management and income collection.

The postholder will manage tenancies, conduct inspections, recover rent arrears and work with partner agencies to sustain tenancies. A UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Housing Officer or similar housing management role.
• Experience working within a Local Authority or Registered Housing Provider.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Management, Tenancy Management, and Rent Arrears Recovery.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.
• CIH Qualification or Membership is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated patch of council properties and tenancies.
• Undertake settlements and tenancy changes, mutual exchanges and succession requests.
• Carry out estate inspections and address environmental issues.
• Recover rent arrears and assess affordability for tenants.
• Prepare and serve legal notices and attend court where required.
• Provide advice, guidance and safeguarding support to tenants and leaseholders.

Skills

Housing Management

Tenancy Management

Rent Arrears Recovery

Estate Management

Housing Legislation

Anti-Social Behaviour Procedures

Possession Proceedings

Communication Skills

Education

Degree or higher-level housing qualification

CIH Qualification or Membership

Job description

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation.  That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.
Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

3 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To deliver a comprehensive front-line housing management service to council tenants and leaseholders, ensuring excellent customer service, effective tenancy management, estate management and income collection.

The postholder will proactively manage tenancies, carry out estate inspections, recover rent arrears, support vulnerable tenants, enforce tenancy conditions and work collaboratively with internal teams and partner agencies to maintain sustainable tenancies and thriving communities.

Key Responsibilities

Tenancy Management

• Manage a designated patch of council properties and tenancies.
• Undertake:
  • Settling-in visits
  • Tenancy reviews
  • Property inspections
  • Abandonment investigations
  • Pre-void inspections
  • Warrants of entry visits
• Process tenancy changes, mutual exchanges and succession requests.
• Assess applications for property alterations and home move assistance.
• Respond to tenancy reference requests.
• Support tenants with emergency accommodation arrangements where required.
• Enforce tenancy conditions and address breaches appropriately.
• Identify vulnerable tenants and make referrals to support services.
• Promote downsizing initiatives and mobility schemes.
• Support tenants to access suitable accommodation through housing exchange schemes.
• Carry out regular estate inspections and walkabouts.
• Identify environmental and estate management issues and ensure prompt resolution.
• Implement neighbourhood action plans with residents and stakeholders.
• Monitor communal areas and housing estates to ensure they remain safe and well maintained.
• Support community action days and estate improvement initiatives.
• Enforce garage licence agreements and take appropriate enforcement action where required.
• Address fire safety issues and ensure compliance with housing policies.

Income Collection & Arrears Recovery

• Manage rent arrears and housing-related debt.
• Maintain regular contact with tenants through:
  • Home visits
  • Telephone calls
  • Email
  • Letters
  • Text messaging
  • Office interviews
• Complete financial assessments and affordability reviews.
• Negotiates and monitor repayment agreements.
• Promote payment methods and support tenants to maintain accounts.
• Work collaboratively with support services to prevent arrears escalation.

Legal & Enforcement Activity

• Prepare and serve legal notices including:
  • Notice Seeking Possession
  • Notice of Termination
  • Introductory Tenancy Notices
• Prepare court documentation and possession claims.
• Attend court hearings and represent the Council when required.
• Conduct pre-court visits and interviews.
• Monitor court orders and attend evictions.
• Work in line with pre-action protocols to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

Customer Support & Safeguarding

• Provide advice, guidance and assistance to tenants and leaseholders.
• Support customers experiencing financial hardship or complex needs.
• Make referrals to welfare, tenancy support and safeguarding services.
• Promote tenancy sustainment and homelessness prevention.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are identified and reported appropriately.

Administration & Performance

• Maintain accurate case notes, records and databases.
• Respond to complaints, Councillor enquiries and MP enquiries.
• Produce performance information and service data when required.
• Contribute to policy, procedure and service improvement reviews.
• Maintain knowledge of housing legislation, policy and best practice.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Housing Officer, Neighbourhood Officer or similar housing management role.
• Experience working within a Local Authority or Registered Housing Provider.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Housing Management
  • Tenancy Management
  • Rent Arrears Recovery
  • Estate Management
  • Housing Legislation
  • Anti-Social Behaviour Procedures
  • Possession Proceedings
• Experience conducting:
  • Estate Inspections
  • Tenancy Reviews
  • Home Visits
  • Property Inspections
• Experience managing rent arrears and tenancy enforcement.
• Understanding of county court possession processes.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Excellent interviewing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a demanding workload.
• Strong report writing and record-keeping abilities.
• Good IT skills and experience using housing management systems.
• Ability to work with vulnerable residents and complex cases.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Access to a vehicle with business insurance.
• CIH Qualification or Membership.
• Experience representing landlords at court hearings.
• Experience working within social housing income management teams.
• Degree or higher-level housing qualification.
• Experience delivering neighbourhood or community-based housing services.

Additional Information

• Location: Corby & Kettering (5 Days On Site, Approximately 60% Field Based)