Tenancy Sustainment Officer

**About us**

Cumbria Community Homes is a charitable organisation housing and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

This job role is primarily based in Morecambe and Preston but with some travel to Kendal on a weekly basis.

**TENANCY SUSTAINMENT OFFICER**

**Person Specification**
- Previous experience in working with Vulnerable people
- Proven experience in effective tenancy and housing management
- An understanding of Universal Credit and welfare reform
- Travel is essential so must hold a full driving licence and have access to a vehicle insured for business use
- Computer literate
- Good interpersonal skills
- Thorough knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults
- Working in partnership with, and sharing information with all agencies involved in the Tenants care

As the Tenancy Sustainment Officer, you will create and deliver an intensive bespoke support programme for each tenant/household, offering the practical, financial and emotional support needed to enable them to manage and sustain their tenancy.

A Tenancy Sustainment Officer will build relationships with social housing tenants focussing on their strengths whilst recognising some may have complex and multiple support needs.
- Carrying out Support Needs Assessments
- Devising care plans and risk assessments
- Assisting with moving tenants into their properties and completing necessary checks, paperwork and the setting up of payment methods for personal utilities
- Assisting with Housing Benefit Claims
- Execute a 6-week initial support plan devised by the Charity for all tenants
- Work in a task-based way, ensuring tenants are achieving positive outcomes.
- Visit the tenant for 3-5 hours each week to provide housing related care, support and supervision which will include:

- Ensuring the tenant understands their rights and obligations under the tenancy agreement
- Helping Tenants report repairs and checking these have been carried out
- Solving neighbour disputes and addressing anti-social behaviour
- Providing advice on being a good neighbour
- Regular checks of smoke detectors
- Check that the property is in a reasonable condition and state of cleanliness, and that refuse is being disposed of properly
- Devising budget plans ensuring good money management
- Provide support in dealing with rent payments, arrears and fuel bills.
- Provide advocacy in relation to housing matters
- Attending meetings and case conferences with other agencies who support/monitor the tenant e.g. drug/alcohol services, MAPPA, CMHT, Appointees.
- Make referrals to organisations providing social, training and employment opportunities.
- Ensure the tenant has an opportunity to be involved in the development of the service provided via tenant forums.
- Attend training courses to ensure continuous professional development when required.

**Salary**: £21,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees are encouraged to buy their own facemasks, hand sanitizer and adhere to the 2 meter social distancing rule. We would encourage all employees to have their vaccinations.