Temporary Accommodation Acquisitions Officer in Crawley

We are looking for a proactive and motivated temporary Accommodation Acquisitions Officer to join our Housing Options team. This is an exciting opportunity to help secure high-quality accommodation for households experiencing homelessness, ensuring we meet our statutory duties while delivering positive outcomes for residents.

As part of a busy and committed team, you will be responsible for identifying, negotiating and procuring suitable temporary accommodation from private landlords, letting agents and accommodation providers. Your work will play a vital role in reducing the use of costly emergency accommodation and increasing the availability of suitable homes for vulnerable households.

The temporary Accommodation Acquisitions Officer will:

• Identify and secure suitable temporary accommodation within and outside the borough.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with private landlords, managing agents and accommodation providers.
• Negotiate rental agreements and terms to achieve value for money and compliance with council requirements.
• Conduct property inspections to ensure accommodation meets required standards and legislative requirements.
• Work closely with Housing Options Officers and other colleagues to match accommodation to households' needs.
• Monitor accommodation availability and maintain accurate records and performance data.
• Assist in developing initiatives to increase the supply of temporary accommodation.
• Ensure all acquired properties comply with health and safety, licensing and housing standards.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of working in housing, property management, lettings, acquisitions or a related field.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of the private rented sector and housing legislation.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and meet competing deadlines.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining accurate records.

It would also be desirable to have:

• Experience of working within homelessness services or local government.
• Knowledge of temporary accommodation management, procurement or landlord engagement.
• Understanding of landlord incentives, leasing arrangements and housing benefit subsidy.

This post is a two-year fixed term contract. A Baseline Personnel Security Standard check is required as part of this role and that will also entail the successful applicant undertaking a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.