At a Glance
- Tasks: Help secure housing for those in need and support residents through their renting journey.
- Company: Braintree District Council, known for its innovative and supportive work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working days, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and engaging environment.
- Why this job: Join a team dedicated to preventing homelessness and improving lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or related fields, strong communication skills, and a customer-focused mindset.
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree District Council to recruit a Private Rented Sector Officer on an initial 3-month temporary basis. Please note that you will be required to work in the Council offices 1-2 days per week and this role is also available on a 4 or 5 days a week basis.
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) Officer plays a key role in preventing and relieving homelessness by securing suitable private rented accommodation for households referred by Housing Officers. The post holder will proactively identify available properties within the Private Rented Sector, develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords and letting agents, and support residents throughout the process of securing and moving into accommodation. Working closely with the PRS Tenancy Sustainment Officer, the PRS Officer will ensure households are successfully placed into sustainable accommodation and receive the support needed to achieve positive tenancy outcomes. The role contributes directly to the service objective of accommodating at least one household into the Private Rented Sector each week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Property Procurement and Landlord Engagement
- Identify and secure suitable private rented accommodation for households referred through Housing Services
- Promote the benefits of working with the Council's Private Rented Sector Scheme
- Negotiate tenancy terms and arrangements with landlords and agents to maximise housing opportunities for residents
- Maintain an up-to-date database of available properties and landlord contacts
- Resident Support and Case Management
- Manage a caseload of households seeking accommodation through the PRS Scheme
- Assess household needs and match applicants to suitable available properties
- Facilitate and coordinate property viewings
- Provide advice and guidance to residents on the private renting process, tenancy responsibilities and housing options
- Maintain regular communication with applicants throughout their housing journey to ensure a smooth and positive customer experience
- Support residents with move-in arrangements and ensure all necessary documentation and processes are completed
- Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with Housing Officers, Homelessness Prevention Officers, and the PRS Tenancy Sustainment Officer to achieve successful placements
- Liaise with internal departments and external agencies to resolve issues that may impact tenancy commencement or sustainability
- Attend meetings with landlords, residents and partner organisations as required
- Performance and Compliance
- Contribute towards achieving the Private Rented Sector Scheme KPI of placing a minimum of one household into private rented accommodation per week
- Maintain accurate case records and management information in accordance with service procedures and data protection requirements
- Monitor property placements and tenancy outcomes
- Ensure all activities comply with relevant housing legislation, policies and procedures
The Experience You Will Bring:
- Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Experience of working in housing, homelessness prevention, tenancy management, lettings, estate agency or a related field
- Experience of building effective relationships with landlords, agents, customers and partner organisations
- Experience of managing caseloads and working to performance targets
- Knowledge of the Private Rented Sector and housing options available to residents
- Understanding of housing legislation, homelessness duties and tenancy management principles
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to build rapport and maintain effective professional relationships
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure
- Customer-focused approach with strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to maintain accurate records and produce reports
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and housing management systems
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.
Please Note–Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
What should you do next? If you are interested in this post, then please click apply. If you have any queries regarding submitting an application or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk
Private Rented Sector Officer - Braintree District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values empathy and teamwork. As a Library Customer Experience Champion, you will have the opportunity to engage with diverse communities while benefiting from professional development and training in a dynamic environment. The council promotes a flexible approach to work, ensuring that employees can thrive and grow in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Rented Sector Officer - Braintree District Council
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Essex County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Essex County Council.
