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- Tasks: Lead in sourcing private sector accommodation and ensure properties are safe to let.
- Company: Join Colchester Borough Homes, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by providing essential housing support.
- Qualifications: Excellent communication skills and experience in customer engagement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
6 months fixed term, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This is a career grade role with appointments relevant to experience and qualifications.
We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic, confident, self‑motivated individual with excellent communication skills. Your main roles will include:
- To take the lead in procuring private sector accommodation for both the Private Sector Leasing and HomeSteps Schemes.
- Carrying out HHSRS inspections when required to ensure properties are safe to let and there are no significant hazards.
- If hazards are discovered, liaise with the landlords and the Council's Private Sector Housing team, if appropriate, so that defects can be addressed.
- Arranging tenancies and/or licences by way of negotiation with private sector landlords and agents.
- Negotiating with private sector landlords with a view to sourcing private rented accommodation for our Home Step scheme.
- Assessment and allocation of customers to suitable properties.
- Arranging timely move on from Bed & Breakfast and temporary accommodation.
- Delivering and arranging support for those living in temporary accommodation provided by Colchester Borough Homes and partner organisations.
- Managing a reactive and changing workload.
- Assessing and identifying individuals' needs, to recommend and sign‑post appropriate support for customers.
- Working with partner agencies and colleagues in a holistic way to ensure positive outcomes.
Your innovative approach will be matched by a combination of previous customer engagement and support experience and delivery of housing-related support, good negotiation skills. You will help to monitor rent accounts, maintain licences/tenancies and provide general advice to tenants/licensees in accommodation. To offer a flexible and responsive service that is sensitive to our customers' needs. Liaising with Private Sector Landlords and letting agents with a view to sourcing private rented accommodation for our Private Sector scheme and building relationships with landlords, agents, and other partner agencies.
Please note it is Colchester Borough Homes policy to appoint at the bottom of the scale.
Benefits of working for CBH: In return, we are offering a competitive salary, including excellent benefits, which includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a 20.8% employer contribution.
- Excellent training, development, and progression opportunities.
- Annual leave entitlement of 23 days annual leave (increasing to 26 days after 5 years’ service).
Accommodation Officer in Colchester employer: Colchester Borough Homes
Contact Detail:
Colchester Borough Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your skills in negotiation and customer engagement can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in managing workloads and liaising with landlords, as these are key aspects of the Accommodation Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Accommodation Officer role. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to engage with different stakeholders. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this skill.
Highlight Relevant Experience: We’re looking for someone with a background in customer engagement and housing support. Be sure to include any relevant experiences that demonstrate your capability in these areas, as they’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and consider you for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester Borough Homes
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Accommodation Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the Private Sector Leasing and HomeSteps Schemes, as well as the HHSRS inspections. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with landlords, tenants, or partner agencies in the past. Think about times when you negotiated successfully or resolved conflicts – these stories will highlight your skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The job involves managing a reactive workload and addressing hazards in properties. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. This will showcase your innovative approach and ability to think on your feet.
✨Be Customer-Centric
This role is all about supporting customers in finding suitable accommodation. Prepare to talk about your experience in customer engagement and how you've tailored services to meet individual needs. Highlighting your empathy and understanding will resonate well with the interviewers.
