Home Finder Officer

Aatom Recruitment is looking for a Home Finder Officer on behalf of a Local Auhtority. Job Title: Home Finder Officer Contract Duration: 5 Months Hours Per Week: 36 Working Pattern: Hybrid ROLE PURPOSE: * Provide an efficient, high-quality, and resident-focused service to diverse client groups. Meet targets for procuring accommodation in the private rented sector for the Council's use in prevention and relief duties, temporary accommodation duties and move on duties. * Increase the number of households accessing the private rented (PRS) to avoid Temporary Accommodation (TA) and move on from emergency and TA by efficiently securing PRS housing for residents in need. Procure PRS properties on commercially viable terms for Hillingdon households and manage relationships with landlords. Provide advice and guidance to landlords to build trust in the PRS market and develop relationships, thereby increasing the supply of accommodation. Qualifications: * Hold an appropriate qualification in a relevant field: NVQ, Diploma, relevant degree or experience. * 5 or more GCSEs including English and Maths (Grade C/level 4 or above). * Evidence of continuing personal and professional development. ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS * Ability and willingness to attend out of hours meetings and visits to meet the needs of residents and the service. * Including working flexibly from designated local hubs as part of regular working arrangements. * Ability and willingness to participate in a rota system for the Emergency Out of Hours Housing Service, offering housing advice and sourcing emergency accommodation, if required. * Full driving licence and use of a vehicle Knowledge & Skills: * Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated legislation and guidance. * A sound knowledge of current legislation related to the acquisition and leasing of property used as TA and PRS Housing. Knowledge of Housing Law (Landlord & Tenant) * An understanding of the needs of homeless households in temporary accommodation. * Knowledge of repairs and health and safety obligations relating to temporary accommodation and standards in the private sector. * Knowledge of procurement rules, framework agreements – approved lists * Competent in using Microsoft Office applications and in house database systems. * Ability to work with others to achieve excellent performance. * Ability to communicate effectively, face to face, in writing and by telephone with different groups. * Customer service-oriented, skilled in building productive working relationships and effectively managing challenging customer behaviours. * Ability to manage and prioritise own workload whilst at the same time work effectively as part of a team. * Can demonstrate initiative in improving on existing processes to achieve best value for the Council