Private Rent Sector Solutions Officer

Newham Homelessness Prevention Advice Service (HPAS) is seeking a Private Rented Solutions Officer. The role focuses on procuring private sector properties, providing landlords and agents with the opportunity to let or lease their properties, and delivering a high-quality, customer-centric experience that rivals a private letting agency. Salary is £40,182 - £42,060 per annum and the role is hybrid, with flexible working from home up to 3 days a week after the initial 4-week induction.

Responsibilities

• Procure private sector properties and maintain a robust supply of affordable private lettings and long-term leased temporary accommodation.
• Cultivate strong relationships with landlords, agents and developers to promote uptake of the Councils Leasing and Lettings Schemes.
• Match properties to households to prevent/relieve homelessness or discharge s193 homelessness duty.
• Support the Private Sector Solutions Team in procurement, education and lettings as part of Newham HPAS.
• Deliver a high-quality, customer-centric experience that ensures exceptional service for both landlords and tenants.

Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A strong communicator with excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to achieve personal targets that impact team performance and efficiency.
• Experience delivering proven positive outcomes.
• Ability to provide landlords with advice in line with legislation.
• Effective communication with a range of people, particularly landlords.
• Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, including suitability of accommodation.
• Able to deliver excellent customer service with the ability to mediate and resolve challenges.
• Able to sensitively manage expectations.

What Newham Can Offer

You do not need prior PVII homeless experience, though it is preferred. If you do not have experience, demonstrate the ability to seek out relevant legislation and explain it to the panel. Full training on the legislation will be provided. Flexible working with the possibility of working from home up to 3 days a week.

Duration and Contract

All candidates will initially be offered a 12-month fixed-term contract; permanent contracts may be available.

To Apply

You must submit a supporting statement through our recruitment portal. The statement should demonstrate how you meet the requirements listed in the person specification and be no more than 2 sides of A4. Applicants who have applied to this role in the previous 6 months should not apply. If you do not currently understand homelessness legislation, demonstrate that you have begun to understand the basics by researching the available resources. Applications that do not reference the legislative framework or are longer than 2 sides are unlikely to be successful. Applications must contain a personal statement and reference the legislation.

Additional Information

We are committed to an inclusive, anti-racist environment. Applications are considered on merit regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. The London Borough of Newham may require a DBS check for roles involving safeguarding responsibilities. We practice anonymised recruitment; please remove all personal information from documents uploaded. Your data may be shared with Cifas to prevent fraud and verify identity. Further details are available at cifas.org.uk/fpn.

About Us

The London Borough of Newham is located about 5 miles east of London with good transport links and proximity to major networks. It has a diverse population and hosts facilities including Olympic Park, University of East London and Westfield Stratford City.