Accommodation Team Leader Ref: 49-25

Job summary

Description of duties

• Support the Housing Solutions Team Leader in providing an effective Housing Solutions Service.
• Directly line manage the Accommodation Officers, carrying out regular 1:1 supervision, appraisals, etc. with staff in accordance with Council policies and taking responsibility for their performance, development, conduct and attendance.
• Be responsible for developing and managing the use of temporary accommodation, with the aim of keeping occupation and expenditure to a minimum.
• Be responsible for the overall day to day management of council owned or leased properties used as temporary accommodation.  This includes arranging property repairs and maintenance, carrying out pro-active and reactive property inspections, ensuring all property and equipment is fit for purpose, compliant and safe and dealing with any unacceptable behaviour from the residents.
• Liaise with Property Services Team to ensure relevant health and safety and compliance checks in the council's owned or leased temporary accommodation are carried and accurate records maintained i.e. legionella testing, emergency light testing, PAT testing, fire risk assessments etc
• Be responsible for the overall day to day management of the small number of council owned properties that are let to tenants, ensuring compliance within the requirements of being a Registered Provider.
• Act as duty manager on a rota basis, signing off temporary accommodation requests and dealing with enquiries from officers and customers as required.
• Be responsible for the overall day to day management of the income recovery process (from all temporary accommodation and tenanted properties) to ensure income is maximised.  This will include being responsible for officers following legal processes for recovery of income not received.
• Develop and update policies and procedures in relation to being a Registered Provider.
• Ensure licences and all associated documentation and systems are up to date and accurate.
• Ensure rent statements and annual rent increase letters are sent to tenants of council owned properties.
• Ensure housing benefit overpayments are processed for payment in a timely manner.
• Ensure relevant mailboxes are monitored and responses are appropriate and timely.
• Be responsible for the day to day monitoring and spending of the temporary accommodation budgets, including the associated rent accounts.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, carrying out of investigations or making of recommendations in conjunction with the Team Manager and service management team for Cabinet, Scrutiny, senior managers or external agencies ensuring appropriate liaison and consultation with interested parties.
• Ensure that a high level of customer service is maintained at all times.
• Develop outcomes for the service and ensure suitable management information and performance information is known, understood and analysed, including the completing of statutory returns.
• Provide technical advice and expertise, assisting with the interpretation of new regulations, providing guidance and training as required.
• Ensure compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices, with recommendations for action and continuous improvement.
• Take personal responsibility to build and maintain relationships with key partners, including private landlords, housing associations, statutory bodies, and third and voluntary sector organisations and the general public.
• Develop and maintain open, honest and constructive relationships and be supportive to colleagues.
• Play an active role in driving forward improvements in customer service delivery including complaints, MP enquiries, FOI requests Subject Access Reviews and s.202 reviews
• To undertake any other duties as requested by the Housing Manager and the Housing Solutions Team Manager, appropriate to the level and competence of the post.

Primary Line/Performance Management Objectives of the Role

• To ensure the Accommodation & Allocations Officers provide an excellent temporary accommodation service.
• To ensure the  Accommodation Officers remain focused on reducing the use of temporary accommodation and obtain best value for money.
• To ensure that all documentation and systems are kept up to date with accurate information
• To lead the Accommodation Officers to deliver on the relevant statutory obligations.

Responsibilities for:

Finance

Responsible for the Temporary Accommodation budget.

Decision Making

Alongside other senior colleagues, assessing and processing all temporary accommodation and broad housing advice related enquiries in a manner which is focused upon the sensitive requirements and needs of the customer.

Communications

Liaising with internal staff members of staff and portfolio holders. Direct communication and contact with external partners including but not exclusive to Breckland residents, tenants and landlords, organisations/representatives, Government and non-governmental organisations. Take a personal responsibility to build and maintain relationships with key partners, including private landlords, housing associations, statutory bodies, and third and voluntary sector organisations and the general public.

People

The post holder is responsible for developing a culture within the Housing Solutions Team and wider Housing Service which is linked to the behaviours and values of the Council. In addition, the post holder will be expected to look at improved ways and processes to benefit customers of the service and the wider organisation.

Assets

The Post holder is responsible for the equipment issued by Breckland Council.

This job description is not exhaustive.

The job description outlines the current position and will be subject to review in the light of development within the service. This will be in consultation with the post holder, as detailed in your Contract of Employment.