Job Role: Housing Options Advisor

Location: Greater Manchester

Duration: Long Term

Date entered: 01.12.2009

Small description:

To provide support and advice to Housing Options Advisers and Assistants on homeless applications, housing register, housing options interviews and reception functions.

Large description:

JOB TITLE:               HOUSING OPTIONS TEAM LEADER

DIVISION:                ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

LOCATION:              INFORMATION CENTRE

POST OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the post define the roles of the post and the areas and scope of the post holder’s responsibilities.

1.    To provide support and advice to Housing Options Advisers and Assistants on homeless applications, housing register, housing options interviews and reception functions.


2.    To monitor the contract for the provision of temporary accommodation for homeless households and support providers, preventing the use of Bed and Breakfast wherever possible.

3.    To have operational responsibility in liaison with the Housing Policy and Options Manager for the Council’s housing register ensuring that applicants are considered for properties in accordance with the Allocations Policy.

4.    To be responsible for the coordination of nominations to Registered Social Landlords in accordance with nomination agreements and the Allocations Policy.

5.    To contribute towards the development and implementation of relevant strategies in accordance with statutory and government guidance.

6.     To undertake any other duties from time to time commensurate with the grading of the post.


KEY TASKS
Service Delivery
To contribute positively and effectively to the work of Housing Services and to the corporate management of the Council.

 To take appropriate preventative measures and proactive steps to minimise the average length of stay of homeless households in bed and breakfast and temporary accommodation ensuring that expenditure does not exceed the designated budget.

To monitor the Council’s nomination agreements with Registered Social Landlords in the Borough.

To contribute towards the strategic development of the Housing Service including assisting in the delivery of the Homelessness Strategy.

To co-ordinate and attend multi agency meetings as required.

To provide staff training on housing options issues

To provide cover for the homelessness out of hours service a required.To undertake any other duties from time to time commensurate with the grading of the post.

Performance and Quality Management


1.    To ensure that the performance and quality indicators embodied in the Service Plan are relevant to the aims of the service and are consistent with all strategies produced by the service.

2.    To assist the Housing Policy and Options Manager in the setting and monitoring of performance indicators and annual key tasks for the Housing Service.

3.    To contribute towards the validation and collation of all statistical information, including performance indicators and ODPM returns.


Supervision and Coordination

1.    To effectively supervise the staff within the Housing Options team.

2.    To contribute towards the effective preparation and monitoring of designated revenue and capital budgets.

External and Internal Relations

1.    To maintain and extend partnerships with other housing providers.

2.    To develop good relationships with members, other Council services, voluntary agencies and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS    Essential    Desirable    How Tested

Degree in housing or related topic
Professional Housing Qualification
Membership of CIH
5 GCSE’s including Maths and English
   

WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB SKILLS           

3 years experience in housing with some experience in housing advice/homelessness
Ability to introduce and respond to new initiatives and legislation.
Ability to meet deadlines

MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY STYLE           
Facilitator skills
Ability to brief consultants and other agencies

COMMUNICATION SKILLS           
High level of oral and written skills
Working knowledge of PC’s (e-government)
High level of analytical skills
To have a strong customer focus

PERSONAL QUALITIES           

Good organiser
Good motivator
Good ability to work under own initiative
Ability to work with a multi functional team

Full driving licence
Availability to work outside normal office hours
Commitment to Equality  & Diversity policies
Contribute towards the out of hours homeless rota
   
This post is offered on a long term contract.
Location: Manchester.
Salary: £11.50 - 16.66 per hour

For more information, please contact Victoria Brown on 0161 941 4822
CV\'s to victoria.brown@housingsupport.co.uk