Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead in sourcing private sector accommodation and support customers in temporary housing.
- Company: Join Colchester Borough Homes, a dynamic and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in customer engagement.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, progression, and a supportive work environment.
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 Councils Private Sector Housing team, if appropriate, to ensure 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 and 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:
- Competitive salary, including excellent benefits.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a 20.8% employer contribution.
- Excellent training, development, and progression opportunities.
- Annual leave entitlement of 23 days (increasing to 26 days after 5 years' service), plus bank and public holidays and two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.
- The opportunity to buy up to another 5 days holiday, subject to conditions.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme.
- Provision of a smartphone and laptop.
- Discounted gym membership - corporate membership rate at Leisure World and the Northern Gateway.
- 1 Volunteering Day per year.
- Free Flu Jab.
- Agile Working at Colchester Borough Homes means having some flexibility about when, where, and how we work to best meet the needs of our role and service area.
- Payment of a professional subscription.
- Free yearly eye tests plus a contribution towards glasses for VDU use.
You can find out more about Colchester Borough Homes by visiting their website.
If you would like to discuss this post further, please contact Mark Jameson. Interview date to be confirmed.
Colchester Borough Homes are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our continued commitment to Equality and Diversity, and our workforce accurately reflecting the community we represent, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with physical or mental disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and a Mindful Employer. We also hold accreditations for Working Well, Investors in People Gold status and the Armed Forces Covenant.
How to apply:
- Step 1 – Read the advert, Job Accountability Statement and Person Specification.
- Step 2 – Click 'Apply online' below and complete the application form in full, ensuring that you indicate how you meet the criteria contained within the Person Specification.
- Step 3 – Press 'submit'.
Accommodation Officer in Colchester employer: Colchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Colchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Colchester Borough Homes and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to housing and accommodation. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to accommodation and customer support. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and communication skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help us understand what we're looking for and how you can showcase your skills effectively.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Accommodation Officer, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since excellent communication skills are key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Colchester City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, 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. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with landlords or supported customers. This will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with hazards in properties or managing a reactive workload. Think of scenarios from your previous roles and how you approached them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Approach
This role involves working with partner agencies and colleagues, so be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of successful teamwork and how you’ve contributed to positive outcomes in your previous positions. This will show that you can work holistically to meet customer needs.
