Job Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Bookings & Emergency Accommodation Officer to join the Bookings and Emergency Accommodation Team on a secondment basis. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that statutory housing duties are met through the effective placement of homeless applicants into emergency and temporary accommodation.
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of homelessness legislation, housing allocations, and property suitability, alongside experience in managing accommodation placements and liaising with service users and providers.
Key Responsibilities:
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Assess the accommodation needs of homeless applicants and arrange bookings into suitable emergency, temporary, and permanent accommodation.
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Ensure all placements comply with statutory guidance and council procedures, including suitability assessments and record-keeping.
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Manage a caseload of clients in bed & breakfast accommodation, liaising with homelessness assessment officers to support timely case progression.
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Conduct inspections and on-site surgeries at designated hotels to verify property standards and ensure compliance with licensing conditions.
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Monitor rent payments, assist with income recovery, and liaise with Housing Benefit and DWP to address arrears and benefit delays.
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Support vulnerable clients during their transition into self-contained accommodation, arranging removals, documentation, and accompanied viewings.
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Respond to concerns including safeguarding, anti-social behaviour, and harassment, ensuring cases are escalated or referred as appropriate.
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Maintain accurate data on housing systems, ensure compliance with data protection policies, and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
Essential Skills & Experience:
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Experience working within homelessness services, housing options, or temporary accommodation placements.
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Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996 Parts VI & VII, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
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Understanding of landlord and tenant law, welfare benefits, safeguarding legislation, and housing benefit systems.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a high-pressure environment managing sensitive and complex cases.
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Ability to carry out property inspections, liaise with landlords and service users, and manage rent accounts.
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Excellent organisational, communication, and customer service skills.
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Confident using housing management and document workflow systems.
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Flexible to attend site visits and occasional evening work when required.
If interested in this role please send your CV to Lee-Jaun at Coyle Personnel Ltd.
