At a Glance
- Tasks: Negotiate and procure quality accommodation for homeless households and other council services.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and ambitious community.
- Benefits: Enjoy fair pay, flexible working options, and a commitment to your professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and equality in a workplace that values every individual.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; experience in housing or procurement is a plus.
Responsible for negotiating and the procurement of good quality accommodation of suitable type, size and location across the private sector to meet the Council's duties to homeless households. These include accommodation for use as emergency, long term, or discharge of duty. To procure accommodation if required for use by other Council services responsible for the provision of accommodation to customers meeting qualifying criteria (i.e. care leavers, no recourse to public funds households, etc.).
To ensure all properties acquired comply with property standards and statutory requirements and are as cost-effective as possible in line with Pan London Rates as applicable.
Key Skills:
- Commitment to high standards of customer care and the ability to deal sensitively with a wide range of customers.
- Ability to communicate effectively to a broad range of stakeholders.
- Ability to produce complex correspondence and reports.
- High level of IT skills working with a database and software applications to produce letters and reports effectively, and to use workflow systems to reduce hand-offs and minimise transaction costs.
- Knowledge of private sector housing law, health and safety rating system and other health and safety regulations (gas, electrics and energy efficiency) and legislation relating to the letting of private sector tenancies.
- Experience of working effectively with private sector landlords and/or within a homelessness context.
- Good knowledge and understanding of the government's welfare reform and its implications on the private rented sector and individuals.
- Excellent current knowledge of private rented sector housing market and contracts, particularly the issues affecting private rented sector customers and landlords.
- Ability to inspect properties, assess their suitability against a set of standards based on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, and clearly identify defects and works necessary to achieve the required standard.
- Ability to work across service boundaries and to deliver a consistent and cost-effective approach to procurement for the full range of accommodation duties accepted by the Council.
- Working knowledge of procurement principles, homelessness legislation, and the Council's duties towards children in need and households with no recourse to public funds.
- Ability to engage effectively with private sector landlords and agents and to promote the benefits of working in partnership with the service to meet housing need.
- Ability to work constructively with other services and agencies and to negotiate successful outcomes for customers.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications including Maths and English.
Terms and Conditions:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
- Satisfactory declaration of interest.
- Satisfactory DBS check.
- Suitable driver's license.
As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role.
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.
The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: Promoting equality of opportunity; Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage; Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels; Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
Accommodation Procurement Officer in City of Westminster employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to fair pay, skills development, and a culture that values creativity and community engagement, employees can thrive in a supportive atmosphere while making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents. As the largest employer in the area, the Council offers unique opportunities to work collaboratively across various services, ensuring a fulfilling career path in public service.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accommodation Procurement Officer in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Tailor your answers to reflect our values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an Accommodation Procurement Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do in Waltham Forest.
We think you need these skills to ace Accommodation Procurement Officer in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Accommodation Procurement Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with a variety of stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Include examples in your application that showcase your ability to produce complex correspondence and reports effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked with private sector landlords or in a homelessness context before, make sure to mention it! We want to see how your past experiences can contribute to our mission of providing quality accommodation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on private sector housing law and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with a variety of stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated outcomes, whether with landlords or other parties. Highlighting these experiences will illustrate your ability to secure good quality accommodation for those in need.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that might ask how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with a difficult landlord or assessing a property’s suitability. Practising these scenarios can help you think on your feet during the interview.
