At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure and expand access to private accommodation for care leavers, making a real difference.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to helping young people transition from care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Access to extensive resources and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that empowers care-experienced youth to find stable homes.
- Qualifications: Housing knowledge, negotiation skills, and experience in partnership development required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
As our new Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer, you will leverage your extensive housing knowledge and negotiation expertise to secure and expand access to private rented sector accommodation for care leavers. This pivotal role is perfect for a housing professional who is driven by innovation and committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of care-experienced young people.
The core functions of the role, which is based in Kingston and Richmond, include:
- Procurement and Support: Supporting young people transitioning from care to settled, safe, and stable private accommodation in adherence to statutory guidelines, thereby preventing homelessness. This includes directly supporting care leavers in settling into tenancies and utilizing tools like the Corporate Rent Guarantor Scheme.
- Partnership and Development: Working in partnership with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and the Housing, explicitly the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000.
Experience of working within the Private housing sector, voluntary sector housing, or a local authority Housing Department. Strong negotiation skills alongside experience in marketing and networking. Experience of building partnerships and co-producing solutions across a diverse set of stakeholders, including senior managers and external clients. Experience in delivering skills workshops and producing materials to support young people in identifying and maintaining accommodation.
About our benefits: We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract).
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer employer: Achieving For Children
At AfC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative work environment. As the Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer, you will not only have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of care-experienced young people but also benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive learning and development programmes, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the housing sector, especially those who work with care leavers. Attend local events or webinars to connect with potential partners and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your negotiation skills! Prepare examples of past successes where you’ve secured accommodation or built partnerships. Be ready to discuss these during interviews to demonstrate your expertise and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Get familiar with the local housing landscape. Research the private rented sector in Kingston and Richmond, and understand the challenges care leavers face. This knowledge will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely invested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to support care-experienced young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping care leavers shine through. We want to see how your housing knowledge and negotiation skills can make a real difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in the private housing sector or local authority. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve successfully built partnerships and co-produced solutions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into this pivotal role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Know Your Housing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing policies, especially the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework you'll be working within.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Whether it's securing accommodation or working with stakeholders, having specific stories ready will demonstrate your expertise and ability to make a difference.
✨Highlight Your Partnership Experience
Think about times you've collaborated with various stakeholders, like personal advisers or external clients. Be ready to share how you built those relationships and co-produced solutions, as this role heavily relies on teamwork.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you'd support care leavers in settling into their new homes. Consider potential challenges they might face and how you would address them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and commitment to making a tangible impact.
