Supported Accommodation Officer

Your new companyCoventry City Council is seeking a dedicated and proactive Housing Accommodation Officer to join their Housing and Homelessness team. This is a vital role focused on securing suitable accommodation to meet the housing needs of households under our statutory duties. You will work closely with landlords, property providers, and internal teams to ensure high-quality, affordable housing solutions are available across the city.Your new roleAs a Housing Accommodation Officer, you will work closely with landlords and property providers to secure both temporary and permanent housing solutions. You will be responsible for negotiating property conditions and conducting inspections to ensure they meet Coventry City Council's standards, with training provided as needed. A critical part of your role will be to verify that all necessary documentation-such as gas safety, electrical, and energy performance certificates-is received before finalising tenancy agreements.You will maintain accurate records of property usage and any financial assistance provided, using the Council's IT systems. In addition, you will negotiate rental values to ensure affordability and alignment with housing benefit limits. Supporting households beyond the initial tenancy is also key, helping them maintain their accommodation without further financial intervention.Your duties will include tracking property requirements for both temporary and permanent housing, and working with internal teams to make the best use of financial resources like the Prevention Pot and Discretionary Housing Payments. You'll assist with Housing Benefit applications and ensure timely payments, while also managing invoicing and monitoring customer payments in line with Council policy.Collaboration is essential in this role. You'll liaise with other Council departments to understand broader property needs and share best practices. You'll also coordinate with Migration Services to support households transitioning from asylum support accommodation. Leading landlord engagement initiatives and focus groups will be part of your efforts to build strong partnerships with the private rented sector. Additionally, you'll act as a mediator between landlords and tenants to help resolve disputes and sustain tenancies.The majority of the workload will be conducted over the phone, however there may be a requirement to visit the tenants at their properties if they are not picking up other communication.What you'll need to succeedWe're seeking someone with strong negotiation and communication skills, capable of building and maintaining effective relationships with landlords and internal stakeholders. You should be organised, detail-oriented, and confident in maintaining accurate records. While knowledge of housing legislation and benefits is desirable, training will be provided. Most importantly, we value a proactive, solution-focused approach to problem-solving. You will also be required to have a full UK Driving License and your own vehicle for this role, and we will also carry out an Enhanced DBS check.What you'll get in returnThis is a full-time temporary position that offers hybrid working, which the office is based near Coventry train station and offers an hourly rate of £14.59. Being registered with Hays you will be given many rewarding opportunities, with a personalised service to you and the dedication to finding you your next role and career. You will also be given through your induction period and the opportunity to gain recognised customer service qualifications. The council also offers opportunities for progression through permanent positions internally.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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