At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals experiencing homelessness and manage temporary accommodation effectively.
- Company: Join SettleParadigm, the largest housing group in the region with a social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 38674 - 38674 £ per year.
Salary: £38,674 + Excellent Benefits
Location: Letchworth Garden City
Travel: Across Hertfordshire and surrounding counties, approximately 50 to 70 miles per week
Contract: 6-month Fixed-Term Contract
Essential: Full UK driving licence and car insured for business use
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose? At SettleParadigm, we are proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 30,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising the number of new affordable homes we build.
About the role
As a Temporary Accommodation Officer, you will work in partnership with local authorities and internal teams to provide temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. You will manage the day-to-day running of the accommodation, support residents to sustain their licence conditions and work with them towards a positive move into permanent housing. This is a varied role involving allocations, sign-ups, rent and arrears management, property condition monitoring and resident support. You will build strong relationships with partner agencies, ensuring residents receive the right help at the right time. You will also play an important part in maintaining safe, compliant and well-managed temporary accommodation sites.
Key responsibilities:
- Liaise with local authorities regarding nominations into temporary accommodation
- Complete sign-ups for new lets and explain licence conditions clearly
- Work with the Income Officer to monitor weekly charges and arrears
- Liaise with housing benefit teams to progress claims and verification
- Work closely with residents and refer or signpost to relevant support agencies
- Investigate breaches of licence or tenancy conditions and refer to the Community Safety team when required
- Monitor terminations and voids, ensuring properties are turned around efficiently
- Support residents to move successfully into permanent general needs housing
- Work with clients referred under the Homeless Prevention Initiative
- Monitor safety and security across temporary accommodation sites in line with procedures and health and safety standards
- Work with caretakers and handypersons to monitor repairs, damage and servicing of appliances
- Maintain accurate records and manage cases sensitively and professionally
About you:
Experience and knowledge:
- Knowledge of supporting people experiencing homelessness and an understanding of housing issues
- Knowledge of excluded licences and temporary accommodation requirements
- Ability to administer arrears recovery processes and understanding of rent accounts and housing benefits
- Experience dealing with residents in difficult or stressful situations
- Ability to manage unacceptable behaviour and enforce licence conditions
- Ability to represent SettleParadigm at external meetings
- Ability to build effective working relationships with partner agencies
- Good IT skills
Essential requirements:
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car insured for business use
- Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of residents
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour professionally
- Ability to work independently across multiple sites
- Clean Criminal Records Bureau check
Preferred requirements:
- Passion for supporting people experiencing homelessness and helping them move forward
- Interest in developing within housing or resident support roles
- Experience working with homelessness services or temporary accommodation
Benefits:
- Annual salary: £38,674 per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan: claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working: hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Our Commitment:
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments:
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made. Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
Closing Date: 04/09/2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.
Temporary Accommodation Officer (6-month FTC) in Watford employer: Paradigm Housing
At Paradigm, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. As a Customer Liaison Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives while benefiting from professional development and growth opportunities in the heart of our commitment to energy efficiency. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to a sustainable future for our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Accommodation Officer (6-month FTC) in Watford
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Paradigm Housing!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Paradigm Housing that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Accommodation Officer (6-month FTC) in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Paradigm Housing. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Paradigm Housing.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Paradigm Housing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paradigm Housing
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Paradigm Housing resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Temporary Accommodation Officer (6-month FTC) position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
