At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in securing affordable housing and prevent homelessness.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and ongoing support provided for your success.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact by helping vulnerable individuals find stable homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing, strong communication skills, and knowledge of Universal Credit required.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 42200 £ per year.
About Us
Our Procurement & Letting Solutions Team is split into two teams. While we operate as a unified team, our functions are divided into two key areas: Procurement and Lettings. This role is for lettings, not procurement. Your primary focus will be to support clients in preventing and relieving homelessness by identifying and securing housing opportunities in the private sector, ensuring clients are matched with affordable private lettings. In addition to addressing homelessness, you will play a pivotal role in reducing the costs associated with Temporary Accommodation by facilitating the transition of households into stable, long‑term housing solutions within the private sector.
This role requires building and nurturing strong relationships with clients, landlords, agents, and colleagues to optimise housing placements both within and outside of the borough. You will also contribute to strategic initiatives aimed at reducing the reliance on Temporary Accommodation, actively participating in key projects aligned with our Temporary Accommodation Reduction strategy.
About The Role
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with caseworkers to assess clients who have been identified as suitable candidates for private sector housing. You will be responsible for providing an exceptional customer experience by evaluating clients’ needs and ensuring their suitability for available housing options. Your responsibilities will include assessing affordability, addressing specific needs, and supporting vulnerable clients with additional requirements. You will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure your success in this role.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual who excels in organisation, negotiation, and communication. The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative capabilities, a deep understanding of Universal Credit, and experience in financial assessments. Experience in delivering tenancy sustainment services within a Local Authority setting is essential, along with a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes and managing complex tasks.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, And Experience
We are seeking a dedicated & experienced housing professional with a proven background in working within a local authority setting and placing tenants into the private sector. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication and negotiation skills and share our passion, commitment, and enthusiasm for the housing sector.
Key Responsibilities And Requirements
- Comprehensive Knowledge of Universal Credit: deep understanding of Universal Credit and its application in housing.
- Tenancy Sustainment and Financial Solutions: demonstrated experience in sustaining tenancies and identifying alternative financial solutions for tenants.
- Strong Communication and Negotiation Skills: exceptional ability to communicate effectively with tenants, landlords, and colleagues, with strong negotiation skills.
- Target Achievement: proven ability to meet personal targets that contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the team.
- Expert Advice on Legislation: capable of advising landlords in accordance with current housing legislation and regulations.
- Effective Communication with Diverse Stakeholders: ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a broad range of individuals, including tenants, landlords, and external partners.
- Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: familiarity with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, particularly regarding the suitability of accommodation and its implications.
- Exceptional Customer Service and Mediation Skills: proven ability to deliver excellent customer service, including mediating and resolving challenges effectively.
- Property Health and Safety Knowledge: solid understanding of property health and safety regulations to ensure compliance and tenant safety.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday 15th February 2026
Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 16th February 2026
Interview Date: TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Procurement and Lettings Solutions Officer employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Senior Occupational Therapists. With flexible hours and hybrid working options, we prioritise employee well-being while providing opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic team focused on innovative practices. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of older people and adults with disabilities in our vibrant community.
Contact Details:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Lettings Solutions Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around preventing homelessness and securing affordable housing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves working with landlords and clients, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Lettings Solutions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in lettings and housing. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to prevent homelessness and secure affordable housing for clients.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with clients, landlords, and colleagues, let us know about your strong communication and negotiation skills. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and resolve challenges.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention your background in tenancy sustainment and financial assessments. We’re looking for someone who has hands-on experience in a local authority setting, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Know Your Stuff on Universal Credit
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Universal Credit and how it impacts housing. Be ready to discuss its application in lettings and how it can affect clients' affordability. This will show that you understand the financial landscape your clients are navigating.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders in the past. Whether it's tenants, landlords, or colleagues, being able to articulate your experiences will demonstrate your strong communication skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated outcomes, especially in a housing context. Highlighting your negotiation skills will be key, as you'll need to secure housing opportunities for clients while balancing the needs of landlords.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Excellence
Be prepared to discuss how you've delivered exceptional customer service in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to mediate and resolve challenges, as this is vital for ensuring a positive experience for clients seeking housing solutions.
