Accommodation Officer

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

The Housing and Homelessness Service is a very busy environment and faces several challenges to meet the housing needs of citizens of Coventry. The team have grown significantly during the last 12 months and this reflects the fact that Housing & Homelessness are now a key council priority.

The team are responsible for the delivery of the following service functions:

• Provision of the statutory homeless service


• Provision of temporary accommodation


• Management of the housing register


• Co-ordination of support to citizens rough sleeping


• Commissioning of homeless services, and


• Responsibility for housing strategy


The Council has a strategic vision that is clearly set out in both the Housing & Homelessness and the Rough Sleeping Strategies which were both approved in 2019.

By becoming part of an expanding team who are focused on preventing households from becoming homeless as well as providing tailored support and interventions when someone does become homeless this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our city.,
• Negotiate with Landlords regarding the condition of the property. If ready to let, to undertake the inspection in line with the required Coventry City Council standard.


• For private rented accommodation, secure affordable rents close to local housing allowance limits.


• To undertake viewings and signups to properties Private sector, to conduct pre letting inspections


• To work closely with landlords and providers to secure properties to meet the housing needs of the households under the Housing and Homelessness duties, whether for temporary or permanent accommodation.


• Negotiate with Landlords regarding the condition of the property. If ready to let, to undertake the inspection in line with the required Coventry City Council standard. The prescribed inspection regime must be followed as a guide to this process. Training will be provided if required.


• To confirm landlords have provided all the required documentation ahead of entering into the tenancy agreement with the household. This will include the receipting of appropriate and in date gas, electrical and energy performance


This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).


• A positive attitude towards helping people to overcome Homelessness


• Strong negotiating skills and advocacy skills.


• Resilience and determination to achieve right outcomes for Homeless people/families


• Willingness to learn about the relevant legislation for Housing and Homelessness


• The ability to travel around the City, full driving licence and access to vehicle required


• You will be able to use your initiative, be forward thinking and solutions led due to this being a reactive role


• Ability to work under pressure


• Flexible and resilient
  
  In line with our One Coventry Values we strive to have a workforce that reflects our local communities and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds, applicants who have a disability and applicants who are from the LGBTQ+ community to apply for our senior leadership roles.


Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.


• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.


• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.


• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.


• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.


• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do., Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.


We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies