Area Housing Officer

Service: Housing Services, Development & Economic Growth

Closing Date: Tuesday 4th June 2024

We are seeking a key member of staff to join our Housing Team in Helensburgh and Lomond. The Area Housing Officer post is located within the Helensburgh Civic Centre and will manage a frontline delivery team of two staff.

The successful candidate will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of current housing legislation together with proven leadership skills to effectively manage a front line housing team.

On average the Helensburgh & Lomond housing team receive 100 homeless applications per annum and provide housing advice and assistance to 160 households per annum.

This is a permanent, full time post, 35 hrs per week, worked Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm with an hour for lunch.

The post holder will:

Ensure a high quality service and best value is delivered to service users by ensuring that all statutory housing duties are implemented efficiently and effectively.

1. Investigate and determine statutory applications to the Housing Service
2. pro-actively engage with partners in the delivery of housing advice and homeless prevention initiatives
3. provide advice and assistance to applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, including advocacy on behalf of applicants with landlords and other agencies
4. arrange provision of temporary accommodation where appropriate
5. ensure support needs of homeless and potentially homeless people are assessed and appropriate support provided
6. ensure that an effective income maximisation strategy is in place for service users
7. liaise with housing providers to ensure adequate support is in place to assist the transition to permanent accommodation and to prevent repeat homelessness
8. ensure temporary accommodation is provided to a standard acceptable to the Scottish Housing Regulator
9. engage with private sector landlords to improve access to the private rented sector
10. support the effective implementation of the Section 72 Scheme of Assistance
11. attend case conferences with other agencies to advocate on behalf of people with housing needs
12. participate in the out of hours response service when necessary
13. respect the confidentiality of clients, colleagues and other Department/Agencies at all times
14. To work within the Equal Opportunities policies and other values of the Council

In addition, the post holder will represent the authority on relevant external bodies/committees; deputise for the Housing Team leader when appropriate; and ensure that all regulations and procedures are adhered to.

The successful candidate will meet the following essential criteria:

• 3 Highers
• Accredited Housing Qualification and Professional Development Award in Housing Advice level 7
• Relevant experience in housing related function including front line service delivery
• Co-ordination of a range of housing related functions
• Knowledge of Housing legislation; strategy and policy
• The jobholder will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Argyll and Bute and beyond to meet the operational requirements of the Service
• Ability to manage a statutory front line service and to provide high quality housing services
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Excellent presentation and organisational skills
• Customer focussed approach to service delivery
• Committed to continuous improvement and performance management

It is desirable that the post holder has:

• Relevant degree
• Experience of interagency working
• Knowledge of local housing market; housing needs and demands
• Benefit and welfare rights advice
• Solution focussed approach to problem solving
• Innovative thinker

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description you will require to speak with the recruiting manager, who is:

• Flora Lamont, Housing Operations Manager,
• Telephone: 01631 527183
• Email: flora.lamont@argyll-bute.gov.uk
• Reference: ARB14328/BDE00043

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.