AfEO Procurement and Resettlement Officer (Accommodation for Ex-Offenders)

Job Title: AfEO Procurement and Resettlement Officer (Accommodation for Ex-Offenders)

Contract: 3-month ongoing contract
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Location: Housing Solutions, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham

Role Overview:
Hammersmith & Fulham has secured Accommodation for Ex-Offenders (AfEO) funding to establish a private rented sector accommodation pathway and tenancy sustainment service for homeless ex-offenders.

The AfEO Procurement and Resettlement Officer will play a key role in procuring suitable and affordable private rented accommodation, supporting individuals into tenancies, and providing ongoing tenancy sustainment to prevent homelessness. This is an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a new housing pathway for ex-offenders in the Borough.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procure private rented accommodation for ex-offenders by working with landlords, letting agents, and housing providers.
• Carry out needs assessments (affordability, suitability, support requirements) and negotiate tenancy terms on behalf of clients.
• Deliver tailored resettlement support, accompanying clients to viewings, arranging essential items (furniture, travel, white goods), and ensuring successful tenancy starts.
• Provide ongoing tenancy sustainment, maintaining regular contact with tenants and landlords to resolve issues and prevent tenancy breakdown.
• Work closely with partner agencies including Probation, Police, social care, health, and welfare services to coordinate support.
• Liaise with the AfEO Coordinator working across Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster to develop and embed the project.
• Contribute to homelessness prevention, rough sleeping reduction, and minimisation of temporary accommodation use.
• Maintain accurate records of placements, support provided, and outcomes, ensuring accountability for project funding and performance.
• Keep up to date with housing legislation, welfare benefits, and best practice in tenancy sustainment.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Experience in housing procurement, tenancy sustainment, or homelessness prevention.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with landlords and vulnerable clients.
• Understanding of private rented sector, welfare benefits, and statutory homelessness framework.
• Ability to work flexibly, including property inspections, viewings, and multi-agency meetings.
• Empathy, resilience, and problem-solving skills in supporting vulnerable ex-offenders.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.