At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure and expand access to private rented sector accommodation for care leavers.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career development opportunities and a positive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping care leavers find safe and stable homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for supporting young people.
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 & Benefits Officer to expand care leavers' understanding of and access to the private rented sector.
- Landlord Engagement: Building and maintaining local and regional links with private sector landlords and letting agents, and developing and maintaining comprehensive databases for them. The role also supports young people with securing tenancies, negotiations, and resolving tenancy issues.
- Ambassador and Trainer: Acting as an ambassador to promote young people and the service, and providing training on private sector renting to staff, young people, and their networks.
This is a new and exciting opportunity to utilise your housing knowledge, experience, and strong negotiation skills to establish and develop access to private rented sector accommodation for care leavers in Kingston and Richmond. You will support young people transitioning from care to settled accommodation in adherence to statutory guidelines.
The key responsibilities include:
- Building and maintaining links with private sector landlords and letting agents, locally and regionally, and developing and maintaining comprehensive databases for them.
- Working in partnership with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and the Housing & Benefits Officer to expand care leavers' access to, and understanding of, the private rented sector, preventing homelessness and securing safe, stable accommodation.
- Directly supporting care leavers with activities such as securing tenants, negotiations, and resolving tenancy issues, including utilising tools like the Corporate Rent Guarantor Scheme.
- Acting as an ambassador to promote our young people and service, and providing training on private sector renting to staff, young people, and their networks.
- Working closely with the Local Authority Housing Procurement Teams to ensure work with landlords is coordinated with wider efforts.
We are looking for a dedicated housing professional who can utilise their knowledge and experience to influence and facilitate change across the private housing sector, ensuring excellent outcomes for care leavers.
Working knowledge of Private Sector Housing legislation and local authority Housing Policy, with knowledge of statutory legislation and safeguarding duties; 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.
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 in Twickenham employer: Achieving For Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of care-experienced young people. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, and flexible working options that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career while contributing to vital community initiatives in Kingston and Richmond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer in Twickenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to introduce you to someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to housing and care leavers. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to the cause, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your negotiation skills! Prepare some examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support care leavers in finding stable accommodation.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Housing Knowledge:Make sure to highlight your experience in the housing sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, especially your understanding of private sector housing legislation and local authority policies.
Be Specific About Your Skills:When discussing your negotiation skills, give us examples of past successes. We love hearing about how you've built partnerships or resolved tenancy issues, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges faced by care leavers, so make sure your application reflects that understanding and your commitment to making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Brush up on the key legislation related to private sector housing, especially the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000. Being well-versed in these laws will show your commitment to safeguarding and understanding the needs of care leavers.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled, particularly in housing contexts. Highlight how you’ve built partnerships with landlords or resolved tenancy issues, as this will demonstrate your ability to advocate for care leavers effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Making a Difference
Be ready to discuss why you’re passionate about supporting care leavers. Share personal stories or experiences that have shaped your commitment to this cause, as it will resonate with the interviewers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Partnership Scenarios
Think about how you would work with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and Housing & Benefits Officers. Prepare to discuss strategies for expanding care leavers' access to the private rented sector, showcasing your collaborative approach and innovative ideas.
