At a Glance
- Tasks: Support households at risk of homelessness by securing affordable housing and providing tailored solutions.
- Company: Join a local authority dedicated to making a difference in the housing sector.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Help vulnerable families find stable homes and contribute to community well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience with Universal Credit and housing assessments is essential.
Adecco are currently recruiting for a Housing Solutions & PRS Officer (Universal Credit) to join a Local Authority.
Location: Bridas House, Wandsworth (Fully office-based)
Contract Type: Temporary
Hours: 36 hours Mon to Fri (09:00 AM - 05:00 PM)
Pay Rate: £20.76 per hour PAYE / £27.07 per hour Umbrella
About the Role
In this critical front-line role, you will support households at risk of homelessness by sourcing, securing, and negotiating access to high-quality and affordable private rented sector properties. You will work directly with clients, landlords, and agents, ensuring placements are sustainable, safe, and financially viable - particularly for those relying on Universal Credit.
A key objective of the role is to help reduce the local authority's reliance on Temporary Accommodation, supporting long-term stability for households while achieving targeted reductions in temporary housing expenditure. You will also contribute to wider strategic initiatives linked to the council's Temporary Accommodation Reduction Strategy, helping to shape future approaches to procurement, homelessness prevention, and private sector engagement.
Top 3 Essential Skills
- Demonstrable experience assessing Universal Credit affordability
- Experience working within a local authority setting
- Experience sourcing and moving clients into private rented sector accommodation
Key Responsibilities
- Source and Secure Private Rented Properties: Identify suitable, affordable housing options within and outside of the borough, ensuring placements meet required standards and are financially sustainable for clients.
- Prevent and Relieve Homelessness: Support clients in line with statutory duties, offering tailored solutions that promote housing stability and reduce risk of homelessness.
- Universal Credit Affordability Assessments: Conduct detailed assessments to ensure affordability and sustainability of tenancies for clients in receipt of Universal Credit.
- Tenancy Sustainment and Advice: Provide clients with practical guidance on budgeting, housing costs, and financial solutions to maintain long-term tenancies.
- Landlord and Agent Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, agents, and partners, negotiating terms and promoting the council's services.
- Contribute to Strategic Housing Initiatives: Support project work relating to temporary accommodation reduction and private sector access.
- Legislative Compliance: Offer accurate, up-to-date advice aligned with current housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and ensure placements are suitable and compliant.
- Customer Service & Mediation: Provide excellent customer service, resolving disputes and supporting positive outcomes for both clients and landlords.
- Property Health & Safety: Identify and report property condition or safety concerns, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- Strong understanding of Universal Credit, housing affordability, and financial assessments
- Proven track record of working in a local authority housing environment
- Experience placing tenants into private rented sector accommodation
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Ability to meet and exceed performance targets
- Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, suitability assessments, and statutory requirements
- Experience sustaining tenancies and advising on alternative financial solutions
- Confidence liaising with diverse stakeholders including clients, landlords, agents, and support services
- Good understanding of property health and safety requirements
- Ability to deliver high-quality customer service and mediate to resolve issues effectively
How to Apply
If you have the skills, experience and passion to make a meaningful impact in the housing sector, Adecco would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and contact details to begin the application process.
Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information.
Housing Solutions & PRS Officer (Universal Credit) in Wandsworth employer: Adecco
Adecco is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing housing challenges. Located in Wandsworth, our team thrives on collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful community initiatives. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to diversity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions & PRS Officer (Universal Credit) in Wandsworth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local housing market like the back of your hand. Research areas with affordable private rented properties and understand what landlords are looking for. This knowledge will help us stand out when negotiating placements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Connect with landlords, agents, and other professionals in the housing sector. Building strong relationships can lead to better opportunities for our clients and make securing properties much easier.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Universal Credit knowledge. Understanding how it works and how it affects affordability assessments will give us an edge when advising clients and negotiating with landlords.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your customer service skills! Being approachable and empathetic can make a huge difference in building trust with clients and landlords alike. Remember, we’re here to help people find their homes!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions & PRS Officer (Universal Credit) in Wandsworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Housing Solutions & PRS Officer. Highlight your experience with Universal Credit and any relevant local authority work. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; show us what you’ve achieved in previous roles. If you've successfully sourced properties or helped clients avoid homelessness, let us know! We love seeing tangible results.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get to the point quickly. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your Stuff on Universal Credit
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Universal Credit and how it affects housing affordability. Be ready to discuss specific cases or examples where you've assessed affordability, as this will show your expertise in the area.
✨Showcase Your Local Authority Experience
Highlight any previous experience working within a local authority setting. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully sourced and secured private rented properties, as well as how you've supported clients at risk of homelessness.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your excellent communication and relationship-building skills by preparing to discuss how you've engaged with landlords, agents, and clients in the past. Think of specific instances where your negotiation skills made a difference.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the council's Temporary Accommodation Reduction Strategy and be prepared to discuss how your role can contribute to these strategic initiatives. Showing that you understand the wider context will impress your interviewers.
