Job Description
Job Title: Temporary Accommodation Officer
Reporting to: Temporary Accommodation Team Manager (Placements or Management)
Main Purpose of the Role
To manage the day-to-day allocation and oversight of Temporary Accommodation (TA), providing support and advice to residents to enable move-on into suitable long-term housing. The role ensures compliance with relevant legislation, contractual obligations, defined standards, and service objectives.
The post holder will undertake responsibilities across both Temporary Accommodation Placements and Temporary Accommodation Management, including accommodation provided under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and other temporary housing provisions .
Key Responsibilities
1. Temporary Accommodation Placements
Allocate and manage a range of temporary accommodation units, including emergency and B&B accommodation, ensuring efficient admissions and discharges.
Minimise inappropriate use of shared accommodation for families with children and ensure effective tracking and move-on of households.
Conduct property visits to verify occupancy, maintain standards, and address breaches of licence agreements and disrepair issues.
Liaise with emergency accommodation providers and out-of-hours services, monitoring performance and ensuring effective stock utilisation.
Produce accurate management information and detailed reports to support monitoring of TA supply and demand.
Work collaboratively with internal housing teams and other directorates to ensure a coordinated and effective service.
2. Temporary Accommodation Management & Move-On
Manage a varied TA portfolio (leased properties, hostels, direct lets, B&Bs, annexes), ensuring properties are suitable, compliant, and fit for purpose.
Coordinate hand-backs of leased accommodation and negotiate new leases or renewals with landlords and managing agents.
Proactively manage a caseload of residents to support timely move-on from temporary accommodation.
Ensure case records and housing applications are accurate and up to date.
Deliver a resident-focused service promoting licence compliance, high property standards, and positive landlord relationships.
Undertake frontline duties including placements, transfers, move-on, and homelessness prevention activity.
3. Compliance, Performance & Quality
Manage complaints, emergencies, tenancy and Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) issues, taking enforcement action or initiating legal proceedings where necessary.
Monitor contractual arrangements with TA providers and address non-compliance promptly.
Conduct property inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and legislative requirements.
Provide detailed performance reports to support TA demand modelling and supply planning.
Promote service improvements, value for money, and resident satisfaction initiatives.
Generic Responsibilities
Champion excellent customer service and integrated service delivery.
Maintain accurate case records and utilise IT systems in accordance with established procedures.
Participate in appraisals, service development initiatives, and performance reviews.
Ensure compliance with Data Protection, Health & Safety, and other relevant legislation and Council policies.
Promote equal opportunities, diversity, safeguarding, and the Council’s values.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade.
Disclosure Requirement:
The post holder must hold a valid Enhanced Disclosure (CRB/DBS).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Educated to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate substantial relevant experience. (Essential)
Knowledge
Up-to-date knowledge of homelessness legislation, case law, and best practice relating to temporary accommodation. (Essential)
Understanding of private sector landlord and tenant legislation. (Essential)
Knowledge of housing allocation processes and resource maximisation.
Knowledge of property standards, health and safety regulations, and legislative requirements. (Essential)
Understanding of contract and performance monitoring, preferably within the public sector.
Awareness of diversity and inclusion principles.
Experience
Experience working with diverse and vulnerable clients in a housing or homelessness environment. (Essential)
Experience managing a personal caseload, meeting targets, and working both independently and within a team. (Essential)
Experience of monitoring contracts/performance and taking corrective action. (Essential)
Experience negotiating effectively with internal and external stakeholders. (Essential)
Core Competencies & Behaviours
Customer Focus: Delivers responsive, supportive, and solution-focused services.
Ownership: Takes responsibility, responds proactively to issues, and suggests improvements.
Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and encourages shared problem-solving.
Integrity: Acts with openness, honesty, and reliability.
Commitment: Demonstrates pride and commitment to delivering high-quality services.
Influencing: Communicates clearly and uses logical arguments to engage stakeholders.
Performance Delivery: Meets deadlines and quality standards consistently.
Empathy: Listens attentively and responds professionally to residents’ needs.