R2r103484 - 131218 - Tenancy Sustainment Officer

Your New Organisation: Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. Your new role: We are looking for an experienced tenancy sustainment Officer who possess strong negotiation and influencing skills as well as knowledge/experience of working in the private rented market. This role is being offered on a full time and FTC basis for one year. This role offers hybrid working patterns along with training and career progression opportunities. As a Tenancy Sustainment Officer, you will work collaboratively with housing colleagues across Housing Solutions, once accommodation has been found, tailored support is put in place to help people to sustain their tenancies. You will act as a single point of contact for private landlords who have accommodated people we are working with or who may be able to work with us on an ongoing basis. You need to empathise and respond to the needs of both landlord and tenant. This role requires a strong working knowledge of dealing with private landlords and tenants who are accommodated in the private sector. You will along with your colleague’s source appropriate privately rented properties by liaising with landlords and letting agents. Once the tenant has been matched to the property, your role will be to ensure smooth running of the tenancy such as liaising with benefit agencies, property inspections, mediation, landlord & tenant liaison. What you'll need to succeed: To be successful you will need working knowledge of legislation, guidance and case law relating to homelessness, welfare reforms and private sector accommodation knowledge of benefits people may be entitled to and the routes to accessing these. It is essential that you have knowledge of potential barriers to accessing private rented accommodation, potential concerns of landlords and steps that can be taken to help mitigate these to support in tenancy sustainment Excellent communication skill is essential for this role as you will be liaising with multiple stakeholders across different levels. **Experience of Homelessness Act 1996, Part VII, Homelessness Act 2002, and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 is desirable but not essential.** What you'll get in return: When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. What you need to do now: If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.