Mobile Home And Traveller Site Officer in Caddington

Main purpose of position: This specialist post will provide a single point of contact on behalf of the council in relation to all matters involving the Mobile Home and Traveller community which includes a diverse area covering individual support, site management, transit site provision, awareness training, community engagement and advising on related legislation and guidance. The postholder will be responsible for the delivery of effective and highly efficient management of the mobile home and traveller sites. This will include management of licenses, communal areas ensuring that internal and external communal areas are kept clean, free of rubbish, are well maintained and are safe for residents and other customers in line with specification.

The postholder is responsible for the fair allocation of plots and act as the liaison between the council and the community. Co-ordinate the council's responsibilities in relation to unauthorised encampments which involves site visits, welfare assessments, provision of services, dealing with any community tensions from local residents and evidence preparation for legal purposes. Provide advice and assistance to private land owners and other stakeholders in relation to encampments on private land. Ensure the council meets its legal obligations in relation to the provision of the council Mobile Home and Traveller sites.

You will be responsible to:

• Carry out proactive monitoring of internal and external communal areas, and services provided to assist in meeting of service standards, statutory obligations, health and safety, fire safety, performance targets, customer satisfaction and value for money.
• Act as eyes and ears on the site and build good working relationships with residents.
• Ensure the highest quality of authorised local authority travellers' sites by undertaking investigations, inspections and enforcement activities in response to complaints and enquiries, ensuring that government and council policies, objectives, plans, priorities and legislation are successfully implemented.
• To act as the single point of contact for the public, Members, Police, business owners, partner agencies, staff, etc. in respect of all council matters relating to the mobile home and traveller community.
• Undertake visits, inspections and audits; maintain accurate and timely records and ensure that license conditions are kept to at all times.
• Ensure that plots are brought to standard where issues are identified in audits and other visits working with other services, e.g. BTS, Children's Services and Adult Social Care as and when necessary.
• Take all appropriate action to enforce the license including the prevention of housing fraud.
• For all legal action as necessary take and prepare statements, prepare and serve notices for court, attend court hearings and carry out evictions.
• In a 'supporting people' role provide an advocacy and supporting role to mobile home and traveller individuals and communities. This involves support, advice and representation in relation to accessing services to which they are entitled including benefits, education, DWP claims, housing, health and welfare matters, etc.
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with other relevant internal council and external services (ASC, Children's, NHS and VCSE etc.) to provide a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to tenancy support for high-risk cases, including people with multiple complex needs i.e. hoarding, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse etc. and hold and manage a case list taking the appropriate actions when necessary.
• Ensure that safeguarding alerts are made where necessary.
• Facilitate and develop appropriate consultation between the council and the Traveller community in the borough, ensuring that there is effective liaison between the community and the various agencies working in.
• Ensure that notice and terminations are managed efficiently with a view to minimise rent loss.
• Manage the waiting list, terminations and sales in line with council policy.
• Complete sign-ups.
• Link into Tenant Participation, Green and Clean, BTS and other housing services as required.

Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of the housing sector, ideally with experience of managing Mobile Home, Gypsy and Travellers services and sites.
• Experience in implementing housing management practices such as allocation of accommodation/pitches, void management, tenancy management, customer involvement, neighbourhood management and anti-social behaviour.
• Able to communicate effectively, and politely, in writing and verbally, with a range of people, including customers, internal colleagues and external agencies.
• Represent the service at internal and external meetings and maintain and build positive relationships.
• Able to provide complex technical advice, offer realistic solutions to routine and complex technical issues and deal professionally with matters within the working remit.
• Able to manage challenging and complex situations with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• In depth knowledge of current housing legislation, regulations and practice including detailed knowledge of housing issues, needs and operations.
• In depth knowledge of housing management, welfare reform, benefits, debt and counselling and supporting and sustaining tenancies.
• Full driving license with business insurance and access to own car or be able to travel around Luton and surrounding areas.