Temporary Accommodation Supply Officer

About the role:

The temporary accommodation supply officer will be responsible for supporting the TA Supply Manager in ensuring an adequate supply of suitable and safe temporary accommodation for homeless households. They will develop effective external and internal relationships to help promote the organisation and opportunities for temporary accommodation service. The role will act as a key liaison between the Council and property providers to ensure we are meeting our statutory housing duty.

The postholder will ensure that all properties acquired meet with property standards and comply with statutory requirements and are as cost-effective as possible in line with Pan London Rates as applicable.

Key duties within the role:

• Strong negotiation skills to procure good quality emergency accommodation of suitable type, sizes, and locations across the private sector to meet the councils statutory duty to homeless households.
• To expand and diversify the existing TA supplier list and establish new supply of emergency accommodation service providers negotiating best prices and obtaining value for money.
• To carry out inspections of properties on a daily basis in order to assess their suitability for households in housing need, completing property inventories, and investigating persistent disrepair complaints. 
• Ensure that all properties meet Health and Safety requirements and legislation and that information relating to Health and Safety is updated on necessary systems.
• To ensure the effective supply of accommodation for homeless households and to monitor the performance of temporary accommodation providers and enforce relevant contracts or service level agreements to ensure effective procurement and management of the stock.
• To actively liaise with landlords, providers and managing agents where accommodation-related problems are identified to ensure that actions are taken to resolve any issues raised. Visiting, inspecting, and negotiating directly with providers to hand back properties to owners in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• To support senior managers in the Temporary Accommodation in the effective contract and performance management of providers supplying or supporting the delivery of the Councils accommodation schemes, including analysis of contract performance data and complaints.
• To ensure that demand and supply data and performance and financial information related to the accommodation portfolio is routinely collected, analysed and acted upon, in order to effectively shape commissioning decisions, anticipate and /or manage service problems and control financial expenditure.
• To carry out any other duties consistent with the job purpose which may be
  required from time to time.

About you
Were looking for someone who is enthusiastic about our ambition to make Camden the best place to live and work. Above all, you will be passionate about ensuring that services are delivered in a relational way, with the best outcomes for residents at its heart.

In addition:
Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• Educated to GCSE A Level, or NVQ Level, or having equivalent experience of working in a busy housing environment.
• An understanding of Housing Act 1996 Parts VI and VII along with the ability to draw upon relevant housing caselaw are essential. An understanding of the Councils Housing Allocations Scheme is expected.
• You are passionate about housing equality: You believe everyone has the right to a home that is decent, safe and warm, and to feel part of Camdens community.
• You are proactive: You take action to address problems and support people as early as possible. You create change where change is needed, rather than waiting for change to happen and reacting to it.
• You keep services accessible: You believe in working to make services approachable, transparent, and easy going the extra mile to meet the diverse needs of residents. If there is something you cant help with, you will find someone who can.
• You take a caring approach: You listen, understand, and have others concerns in mind. You are happiest when residents are.
• You believe in doing things together: Collaborating and connecting are at the heart of what you do, ensuring no one gets left behind. You know that residents are the experts on the housing and services they want and need, and you make sure they are heart in the work that you do.

Skills Framework:
Proactive: Helping to prevent issues arising for residents, intervening early to offer support and let residents know about any other services they may benefit from, and how to access them. Sharing and acting on feedback from residents, to keep improving our services. Keeping accurate and clear records, so colleagues can access all the information needed.

Collaboration and communication: Working in a joined-up way with other teams, to act as one Council. If you cant help, you know someone who can. Speaking with colleagues and residents in a kind and helpful way, conveying information clearly, listening actively and resolving conflicts, being responsive and flexible.  Building positive relationships with the local community, understanding diverse support and access needs.

Data, digital and systems: Using in relevant software and information systems including databases, property management software, and communication tools, is essential for efficient operations. Working with systems needed for the role, and an ability to record performance data in a clear and consistent way.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: Committed to, and will champion the council's ambition to make Camden a more equal, diverse and inclusive borough. An understanding of and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, norms, and practices. An understanding of how to effectively engage with residents and stakeholders from various communities and promote inclusivity among team
members and residents.

Safety and wellbeing: Understanding that safeguarding and health and safety are everyones responsibility. Taking an active role in protecting residents health, wellbeing, and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. Working effectively with survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse. Being trauma informed and supporting psychological safety.
Key relationships
The postholder will work closely with the TA Supply Manager and colleagues in the TA Placements and TA Operations Team. Strong working relationships with landlords, managing agents and property providers currently working or seeking to work with the Council.
Work environment
The postholder will be based at 5PS, however, the nature of the role will require you to undertake visits and inspections to properties located within and outside Camden borough. Some home working may be available in agreement with your line manager.
People management responsibilities
The post holder will report to the TA Supply Manager and has no direct line
management responsibilities.