R2R103057 - 105170 - Private Sector Solutions Officer (Rough Sleeping)

at  South End City Council

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. Southend itself is a vibrant place to live and work, offering coastal living alongside excellent and fast transport links into London.
Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from regulatory services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, social services, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy, communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role:
We are looking for a proactive and experienced Private Sector Solutions 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 fixed term contract basis (6 months). This role is within a friendly and experienced team and the contract is offered hybrid working patterns
As a Private Sector Solutions Officer, you will work collaboratively with housing colleagues across Housing Solutions, Rough sleeping teams and probation, 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 lettings agencies in sourcing private rented accommodation for people.
What you’ll need to succeed:
To be successful in this role, 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.

What you’ll get in return:
If you join the Council, you will enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working (with a blended approach to office and home working), 25 days holiday in a full-time contract (excluding bank holidays) and excellent training and development opportunities. A full list of benefits provided by Southend-on-Sea City Council can be found on the Jobs at the council web page under the “Why Work for us Tab”.
What you need to do now:
If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
For a copy of 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.