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- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by sourcing private sector accommodation and building relationships with landlords.
- Company: Join Neath Port Talbot Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or related services, strong communication, and negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and commitment to employee wellbeing make this a great place to work.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Temporary until March 31st 2027 (to cover a secondment)
About Our Service
The First Point of Contact Team sits at the frontline of Neath Port Talbot’s homelessness response within the (HAPSS) Homelessness Assessment Prevention Support Service. Our role is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to support people to secure safe, suitable and sustainable accommodation. A key part of our work is supporting households who are unable to access social housing and who therefore rely on private rented sector solutions. The Private Sector Officer plays a vital role in this work, helping to build and maintain positive relationships with local landlords and letting agents, and widening housing options for some of our most vulnerable residents. The First Point of Contact Team is a supportive, experienced and collaborative team. We work closely with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to find practical solutions to real housing need. The work is fast‑paced, varied and rewarding, and you will be trusted to use your initiative while being supported through regular supervision and team working. You can see the impact of your work straight away. When a tenancy is secured that wouldn’t have happened without negotiation and persistence, it’s incredibly rewarding. If you are looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference and enjoy building positive working relationships, this is a team you would enjoy being part of.
Responsibilities
- Sourcing private rented accommodation for HAPSS applicants
- Liaising with and building relationships with private landlords and letting agents
- Negotiating around upfront fees, rent levels and tenancy terms where appropriate
- Supporting HAPSS Officers to assess affordability of potential accommodation
- Providing information and guidance to landlords about working with the Council
- Maintaining accurate records of accommodation options and landlord engagement
About You
- Experience of working in a housing, homelessness or related frontline service, or the skills and ability to transfer relevant experience into this role
- The confidence and communication skills to liaise with and negotiate effectively with private landlords and letting agents
- An understanding of affordability, budgeting and financial assessment, or the ability to support officers in assessing whether accommodation is sustainable
- The ability to work independently and proactively, while also contributing positively as part of a wider team
- Strong organisation and record‑keeping skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- A non‑judgemental, solution‑focused approach, with a commitment to good practice, confidentiality and working within policy and procedure
You will also hold a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade A–C (or equivalent).
About us
We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need. Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.
- Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
- Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
- Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
- Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
- Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
- Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
- Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.
If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.
For more information and to apply please visit https://www.npt.gov.uk/job
DBS requirements: Enhanced DBS check (Adult and Child barred list). Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing. The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
Private Rented Sector Office in Neath employer: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Rented Sector Office in Neath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing and homelessness sector. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to housing. This not only boosts your knowledge but also helps you meet potential employers and colleagues in a relaxed setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow organisations like Neath Port Talbot Council on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts to get noticed and show your interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Rented Sector Office in Neath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Private Sector Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in communication, negotiation, and organisation can make a difference in our team. We want to see how you can contribute to preventing homelessness!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value a non-judgemental, solution-focused approach, so share examples that reflect your commitment to good practice and working within policy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Private Sector Officer and the challenges faced in the homelessness sector. Familiarise yourself with local housing policies and the importance of building relationships with landlords and letting agents.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in housing or related services. Highlight your negotiation skills and any past successes in securing accommodation for vulnerable individuals. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential scenarios you might face, such as negotiating upfront costs with landlords. Prepare to explain how you would approach these situations while maintaining a solution-focused mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics or the support provided for new hires. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.