Supported Accommodation Review Officer (HB) in Kingston upon Hull

Hours of Work: 37

This is a Full Time Permanent Position.

The Supported Accommodation Review Team (SART) is a multi-disciplinary team based in the Private Housing Service, with Adult Social Care and Housing Benefit functions.

Role Purpose

This role works across the Housing Benefit Service, the Housing Service and Adult Social Care. The purpose is to review and improve the quality of accommodation and support provided to people in Supported Accommodation to ensure that the Housing Benefit system is administered to optimise outcomes for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. The post holder will work with tenants and ensure supported accommodation providers meet the necessary legal and support delivery requirements. The post holder will be part of a multi-disciplinary team, monitoring and reviewing housing and support standards within Supported Accommodation.

The role involves working with Housing Enforcement Officers and Adult Social Care colleagues to fulfil responsibilities under Housing Benefit Legislation and relevant Guidance, and liaising with the Housing Benefit Service to ensure compliance and address non-compliance. The post holder will identify risks related to supported accommodation provision and assist colleagues in addressing these through referrals to appropriate statutory services (e.g., substance misuse, probation, mental health crisis services). They will compile complex service and support reports, present findings to Providers, and drive continuous improvement. They will work under pressure in challenging circumstances, respond to complaints, and assist in training and engagement activities with Supported Accommodation Providers to drive improvement and develop quality monitoring tools and systems. They will assist in ensuring programmes of work designed to comply with Housing Benefit requirements and report outcomes to central Government as required.

Principal Accountabilities

• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
• Recognise risk indicators of abuse and neglect.
• Demonstrate an outcome focused, person-centred approach to safeguarding practice.
• Have a working knowledge of primary legislation that protects both adults and young people and apply this daily.

Strategy

• Use market intelligence, reporting information and multiple data sources to understand provider performance and issues with Housing Benefit/DWP funded support delivery.
• Assist the SART Manager in oversight of Provider services funded by public monies, evidencing outcomes and holding Providers to account.
• Ensure knowledge of Housing Benefit Regulation and Guidance is up to date and evidenced in reports and reviews.
• Understand funding streams supporting people with multiple issues and support best value.
• Support delivery of initiatives and training for Provider staff.
• Review quality assurance tools and processes to identify improvements.
• Engage community assets to improve quality and reduce cost.
• Gatekeeper role reviewing new schemes to influence quality assurance in decision making for Supported Accommodation Provider status.

Performance Management

• Manage collection of performance data for SEA Providers, produce reports, validate quality reviews, and feed intelligence back to appropriate agencies.
• Ensure value for money through on-site reviews, consultation with residents, or provider documentation.
• Monitor complaints related to tenant support and coordinate timely actions.
• Co-produce improvement plans with measurable goals and timescales.
• Support cross-department reporting and engage with Support Providers to sustain market quality.
• Contribute to guidance and best practice material and prepare for audits/peer reviews.
• Support development of new systems to evidencing quality of Supported Housing Providers.

Statutory Obligations

• Protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable adults and families, applying safeguarding principles.
• Implement interventions to ensure compliance with legal frameworks of practice.

Data Protection

Ensure duties comply with GDPR and manage complex information across Health, Housing and Social Care settings.

Housing Benefit Administration

Ensure accurate administration of claims in accordance with regulations.

Customer Focus

• Develop relationships with colleagues and partners, keep abreast of legislation and best practice, interpret policy and ensure Providers embed it in practice.
• Facilitate engagement with Support Providers and take decisive action when required.
• Respond to requests for advice from Supported Residents, Providers, landlords, the public and Council Partners.
• Investigate complaints about SEA Provision and develop quality measurement methods.
• Contribute to the SART Training programme and related forums.

Advice on Enhanced Housing Benefits

Advise regarding allocation of enhanced Housing Benefits payments to Providers to meet standards for recipients and the community.

Representation

Represent the Team at meetings with Supported Accommodation Providers and other partners to contribute to overall service delivery.

Data interrogation and reporting

Interrogate Housing Benefit systems and present data to maintain or improve service delivery. Ensure programmes comply with Housing Benefit requirements and report outcomes to central Government.

Guidance and liaison

Provide advice to Council departments, external agencies, Government bodies, stakeholders, Members and colleagues on Support Exempt Accommodation Housing Benefits.

Problem solving

Exercise professional judgement to engage with vulnerable residents and assess services, maintaining a non-judgemental approach in challenging conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Grades: GRADES 8. Pay Ranges: £36,363.00 - £39,152.00. Benefits include: competitive salary, LGPS pension, annual leave and public holidays, career development opportunities, and supportive culture.

Application and Diversity

Please ensure that you complete and submit your application by midnight prior to the closing date. We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, adopt a name-blind shortlisting process, and may amend closing dates as required. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.