At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to reduce temporary accommodation and improve housing solutions.
- Company: Local authority focused on housing transformation and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for impactful change and career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming lives and housing solutions for your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a strong Temporary Accommodation Reduction Specialist to support delivery of a Housing Solutions Transformation Programme within a local authority setting.
The role will lead and coordinate work focused on reducing the number of households living in Temporary Accommodation (TA). This includes identifying, securing and maximising alternative housing options, including Private Rented Sector (PRS) accommodation, social housing, move-on pathways and other accommodation solutions.
The postholder will oversee service delivery to support households moving through temporary accommodation and into suitable housing, while reducing demand pressures and temporary accommodation expenditure. The role will also support service redesign, partnership working, performance improvement and delivery of housing transformation priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop a Temporary Accommodation Reduction Team.
- Set objectives, performance expectations and accountability arrangements.
- Monitor team performance against agreed targets and outcomes.
- Support staff development and service improvement.
- Lead delivery of work to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation.
- Develop and implement move-on pathways, including Private Rented Sector, social housing and alternative accommodation options.
- Identify barriers preventing residents from moving on from temporary accommodation and implement solutions.
- Increase access to suitable Private Rented Sector accommodation.
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords, providers, developers and accommodation partners.
- Work with housing providers to maximise social housing opportunities.
- Identify alternative accommodation options, including modular accommodation and other supply solutions.
- Support service redesign, systems improvement and process changes linked to housing transformation.
- Lead projects and workstreams aligned to programme priorities.
- Work with internal services including Housing, Adults, Children’s Services and Public Health, and external agencies.
- Represent the service at partnership meetings and strategic forums.
- Monitor performance data and identify trends affecting temporary accommodation demand.
- Prepare reports, briefings and recommendations for senior management.
- Support budget management and identify financial efficiencies.
- Contribute to reducing expenditure associated with temporary accommodation.
- Ensure compliance with housing legislation, policy and statutory guidance.
- Promote safeguarding responsibilities, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Skills and Experience
- Background in homelessness, housing solutions, housing management or temporary accommodation services.
- Team leadership and service improvement delivery.
- Knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing duties.
- Understanding of housing pathways and move-on arrangements.
- Knowledge of Private Rented Sector providers and housing partnerships.
- Ability to manage complex resident cases and housing matters.
- Partnership working across multiple agencies and services.
- Use of performance data to support service improvement.
- Leadership and people management skills.
- Ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes.
Desirable
- Housing qualification or relevant professional qualification.
- Project or transformation work.
- Knowledge of housing supply initiatives and accommodation markets.
- Delivery of change programmes.
Head of Temporary Accommodation in Essex employer: R Housing
As a leading local authority, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration in tackling housing challenges. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous development opportunities, while our commitment to reducing temporary accommodation ensures meaningful impact in the community. Join us in making a difference, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of housing solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Temporary Accommodation in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the housing sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing temporary accommodation and your knack for problem-solving. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s housing solutions and transformation programmes. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals, especially in reducing temporary accommodation numbers. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Temporary Accommodation in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in housing solutions and temporary accommodation. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past, especially in housing or related fields.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We’re looking for someone who can tackle challenges head-on. Include instances where you’ve identified barriers in housing pathways and successfully implemented solutions. This will show us your analytical skills and ability to think critically.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at R Housing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing solutions. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around reducing temporary accommodation numbers and developing move-on pathways. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the challenges involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Temporary Accommodation, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've set objectives, monitored performance, and supported staff development.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
This role requires strong analytical skills to identify barriers preventing residents from moving on from temporary accommodation. Prepare to share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past, particularly in partnership working or service redesign. Highlight your ability to think critically and implement effective solutions.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation's values align with yours, especially regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion.
