At a Glance
- Tasks: Help vulnerable households access safe temporary accommodation and manage placements.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Great staff benefits, training opportunities, and career progression.
- Other info: Work in a friendly environment with experienced mentors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Commitment to support, strong organisational skills, and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community. We offer a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.
As a Housing Access Officer - Placements, you will work under a designated Senior Housing Solutions Officer who leads the overall team, providing direction, support and development opportunities as well as day-to-day support and management of performance and workloads.
Your role will be to monitor the availability of all forms of temporary accommodation used by the council to discharge its statutory duties, working closely with colleagues on the return of void properties and with providers on stock availability.
You will receive placement approvals for households requiring accommodation and will assess the suitability of available stock for each placement (under the supervision of senior colleagues). Once a placement is allocated, you will provide a comprehensive sign-up service to customers, ensuring that all appropriate documentation is provided, agreements are signed and that necessary information about the placement is supplied.
You will be responsible for the income management of temporary accommodation placements, ensuring that housing benefit claims are in payment, monitoring rent and service charges, and completing the first stages of debt recovery.
You will liaise with a range of internal services and partner agencies such as Kirklees Homes and Neighbourhoods, Customer and Exchequer Services and framework accommodation providers.
You will have awareness of a range of legislation and policies relating to property conditions, tenancies and homelessness as well as welfare entitlements.
You will be involved in data collation and input, and in the production of management, financial and performance information. You will maintain records and statistics to enable effective monitoring and forward planning using appropriate IT systems. You will prepare and dispatch relevant communications such as licenses to occupy, behaviour agreements, suitability assessments and rent account statements.
We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Housing Access Officer (Placements) to join our Housing Solutions Service. This is a role where your work genuinely matters. Every day, you’ll be helping households in crisis access safe, suitable temporary accommodation — often at one of the most challenging moments in their lives.
If you’re motivated by making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced, people-focused environment, this could be the perfect next step in your housing career.
What You’ll Be Doing
As part of a supportive team led by a Senior Housing Solutions Officer, you’ll play a key role in managing temporary accommodation across the district. Your work will help the council meet its statutory homelessness duties while ensuring customers receive a high-quality, respectful service.
- Monitoring the availability of all temporary accommodation used by the council.
- Working closely with internal teams and external providers to ensure voids are returned quickly and stock levels are accurate.
- Assessing placement approvals and matching households to suitable accommodation (with support from senior colleagues).
- Delivering a full sign-up service for customers, ensuring all agreements, documents and information are completed and explained clearly.
- Managing income for temporary accommodation placements, including housing benefit claims, rent and service charge monitoring, and early debt recovery actions.
- Preparing and issuing key documents such as licences to occupy, behaviour agreements, suitability assessments and rent statements.
- Maintaining accurate records and data to support performance monitoring and future planning.
- Building strong working relationships with partners including Kirklees Homes and Neighbourhoods, Customer and Exchequer Services, and framework accommodation providers.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an expert on day one — we’ll support you to develop. But you will bring:
- A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable households.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Confidence working with customers in sensitive or challenging situations.
- An understanding of (or willingness to learn about) homelessness legislation, tenancy law, property standards and welfare entitlements.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners.
- Confidence using IT systems to record and manage information accurately.
Why Join Us?
- A friendly, supportive team with experienced senior officers to guide you.
- Opportunities for training, development and career progression.
- A role where your work has a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.
- The chance to contribute to a vital frontline service supporting some of the most vulnerable households in Kirklees.
Housing Access Officer - Placements employer: Kirklees Council
As a Housing Access Officer - Placements, you will be part of a compassionate and dedicated team that plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable households in Kirklees. Our organisation prioritises employee well-being with a range of benefits, a supportive work culture, and ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that your contributions make a meaningful impact on the community. Join us to be part of a rewarding environment where your efforts directly improve the lives of those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Access Officer - Placements
✨Connect with Your Uni’s Career Service
Your university’s career service is your best mate when it comes to finding a placement in the public sector. They usually have insights into upcoming opportunities and can connect you with employers who specifically look for fresh talent from your uni. Don't miss out on info sessions or workshops they might organise!
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
Public sector jobs often value community-minded individuals, so why not jump in with local initiatives? Volunteering in community projects can give you a foot in the door and help you build a network that’s crucial when looking for placements with organisations like local councils or NGOs.
✨Follow Relevant Government Social Media Channels
Stay in the loop by following the social media accounts of government departments and local councils. They often post about placement opportunities, events, and deadlines. Keeping an eye on these channels can give you that inside edge, and make sure you're not missing any chances!
✨Tailor Your Approach to Specific Roles
When you find a placement opportunity with a specific organisation like Kirklees Council, take the time to align your skills and experiences with their values and mission. Public sector roles often have a strong focus on community service and leadership, so highlight any relevant experiences when you apply through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Access Officer - Placements
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government public sector, it’s vital to showcase your genuine interest in making a difference. Use your cover letter to highlight any volunteer work, projects, or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to serving the community. This passion is often a deciding factor for public sector roles!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Be sure to include any skills or experiences relevant to government work in your CV. This could be anything from strong communication skills to research abilities, particularly if you've done any projects related to public policy or social issues. Tailor your CV to reflect these and back them up with concrete examples from your studies or previous work.
Emphasise Your Learning Agility:Since this is a placement, it’s important to convey your eagerness to learn and grow. In your application, mention specific instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or adapted to new environments. Public sector work can be dynamic, and showcasing your adaptability can really make you stand out!
Check Out Your Digital Presence:While most people think about their CV and cover letter, don’t forget your online presence! If you've written about public affairs or engaged in discussions on social media, mention it in your application. This can reinforce your passion for the sector and give the hiring team at Kirklees Council a sense of your engagement with current issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Understand Current Policies
Being in the government and public sector means you should be up-to-date on current policies, initiatives, and issues relevant to Kirklees Council. Familiarise yourself with local or national government projects—this knowledge will show you’re engaged and serious about the role.
✨Highlight Your Service Mindset
In the public sector, it’s all about serving the community. During your interview, focus on past experiences where you've demonstrated a commitment to public service, teamwork, and ethics. Even if your background is different, think about how your skills or volunteer work align with the values of Kirklees Council.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect behavioural interview questions that ask how you've handled situations in the past, particularly related to teamwork and problem-solving. Brush up on the STAR method to structure your responses—this will help you shine in your answers and relate them back to the skills that are crucial in the public sector.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a placement candidate, they want to see your eagerness to learn and adapt. Don’t be afraid to express what you're hoping to gain from the experience at Kirklees Council. Talk about your academic achievements and how they can translate into real-world applications during your time with them.
