Role Purpose
The Home Moves Plus Officer plays a vital role in helping tenants who are under-occupying their homes to move to accommodation that better meets their current needs. Through advice, support, advocacy and the provision of financial incentives, the post holder will enable tenants to downsize successfully, freeing up larger homes for households in need and making the best use of the Council’s housing stock.
The role contributes to reducing overcrowding, supporting sustainable communities, improving housing outcomes for local residents and ensuring social housing resources are used effectively in line with local priorities and housing need
You will
• Engage frequently with tenants, their family, and friends, providing solutions to meet their housing needs. • Responsible for ensuring relevant documentation is completed, for example: housing register application forms, tenancy agreements, tenancy termination forms, grant/tenant incentive forms and welfare benefit change of circumstances forms.• Responsible for updating the housing management system with changes to tenancies. • Responsible for determination of value of grants awarded under Somerset Council’s Transfer Removal Grant scheme, ensuring all internal financial processes are followed, resulting in tenants receiving their payments.• Create and deliver the following reports: periodic list of all the financial incentives awarded to tenants' year to date up to an annual value of £25,000, quarterly reporting on location data, case studies and issues, postcode monitoring, end of year and final reports. • Subject to policy and guidelines the postholder will decide upon who is eligible and those who will be entitled to receive incentives including a grant payment, additional support, and assistance.• Report concerns relating to the safeguarding of children, young people, or vulnerable adults in accordance with agreed procedures.• Liaise regularly with the Housing Property Void Team to ensure all works are completed within specified deadlines.• Co-operating with other local authorities and/or housing associations.• Co-operating with key partners and the police to deter anti-social behaviour within neighbourhoods and agencies to deter domestic abuse.• Ensure all activities are statutory and regulatory compliant. What you will bring: Essential • Good customer service and communication skills.• Able to value and promote equality and diversity.• Able to build successful working relationships with a range on internal and external stakeholders.• Have a flexible approach to changing deadlines. • Persuasive and encouraging, adopting a coaching style to support customers.
Desirable• High degree of problem solving and decision making.• Able to identify opportunities for further enabling and self-serve. • Understand when to consult with others, including specialists.
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience Qualifications
Essential• Good general standard of education (minimum to GCSE standard or equivalent, including English and Mathematics).• Evidence of continuing development of professional skills, e.g. through training, qualification and/or experience.
Desirable• Be a member of a professional body for housing i.e. the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential• Knowledge of the demographics of the housing tenants, the local community and wider sub regional impacts, such as Hinkley Point, in respect of properties for letting and impacts on homelessness.• Knowledge of income management work and best practice in a housing organisation context.• Detailed and extensive professional and technical knowledge of allocations and lettings policy and practice.• Detailed and extensive professional and technical knowledge of wider housing management policy and practice, housing law and best practice relating to neighbourhood and tenancy management.• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and housing applications (Open Housing System, Homefinder Somerset, Choice Based Lettings system, Home Swapper Mutual Exchange System)• Knowledge of services across Somerset Council, for example Children’s services, adult social care and community mental health.
Desirable • Experience of working with elected members or in a political environment.• Knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation and requirements.• Experience of working in a social housing organisation.
Home Moves Plus Officer - Six Month Fixed Term Contract in Somerset employer: Homes in Somerset
Homes in Somerset is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration within a supportive work culture. As a Quantity & Contract Management Surveyor, you will benefit from a dynamic environment where your expertise in quantity surveying and contract management directly contributes to enhancing our property portfolio, all while enjoying a strong commitment to health and safety and compliance. With opportunities for professional development and a focus on delivering high-quality projects, you'll find meaningful and rewarding employment here.
