At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents in the private rented sector to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, dedicated to creating safer homes in diverse communities.
- Benefits: 18-month contract, 36 hours per week, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team committed to fairness, equality, and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while tackling complex housing challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing support and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want a role where your work directly helps prevent homelessness, protect residents and create safer homes across one of London’s most diverse communities? What if your next role gave you the opportunity to make a visible difference in people’s lives while helping shape better outcomes for residents? If you are passionate about supporting communities, improving housing standards and making a meaningful impact, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
We are looking for a Private Rented Sector Visiting Officer to join our team on an 18-month fixed-term contract and play a key role in tackling some of the most complex housing challenges facing residents today. With a strong prevention-led approach, Southwark places the private rented sector at the heart of its ambition to reduce homelessness, improve housing conditions and ensure residents have access to safe, secure and sustainable homes.
About the Role:
As the PSR Visiting Officer, you will be at the forefront of this work - working directly within communities to identify risks early, provide support and help deliver positive outcomes for residents. This is an opportunity for someone who understands that housing is more than just a service - it is about dignity, security and improving quality of life. You will use your professional judgement to assess complex situations, provide practical solutions and support residents to sustain their homes wherever possible. You will join a team that values collaboration, accountability and fairness, working together to deliver a proactive and innovative housing service that makes a positive difference. Southwark is committed to creating services that are inclusive, resident-focused and responsive to the needs of our communities. As part of our team, you will contribute to meaningful change while continuing to develop your skills and experience within a supportive environment.
What You'll Be Doing
- Carrying out visits to residents and properties across the borough to identify tenancy risks, housing concerns and opportunities for early intervention.
- Providing practical housing advice and support to tenants, helping residents sustain their homes and avoid homelessness wherever possible.
- Working directly with landlords and tenants to resolve housing issues, improve communication and encourage positive outcomes.
- Assessing housing conditions, identifying potential risks and recognising safeguarding concerns, making appropriate referrals to specialist services where required.
- Supporting the identification of breaches of housing legislation and working alongside enforcement and specialist teams to improve standards within the private rented sector.
- Managing a varied caseload, prioritising competing demands and ensuring residents receive a high-quality, timely and effective service.
- Building strong relationships with internal teams, external agencies and community partners to provide a coordinated approach to homelessness prevention and resident support.
This role offers the opportunity to combine housing knowledge, problem-solving skills and community engagement to deliver long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a motivated and knowledgeable individual with an understanding of the private rented sector and the legislation and policies that support it, including housing standards, tenancy rights and homelessness prevention. You will have experience of working with residents and landlords to resolve housing challenges, providing advice and support to people who may be at risk of homelessness or experiencing difficulties sustaining their tenancy. You will be able to demonstrate:
- The ability to assess complex housing situations and identify practical solutions.
- Experience managing a caseload while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, landlords and partner organisations.
- The ability to produce clear written correspondence, reports and case records using plain English.
- A collaborative approach, with the confidence to work across services and build effective partnerships.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with the ability to work sensitively with residents from a wide range of backgrounds.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to prevention, fairness and improving outcomes for residents. Someone who wants to be part of a service that is ambitious for its communities and dedicated to making Southwark a safer and fairer place to live.
Contact Information:
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact our dedicating Housing Needs inbox via email at HNASapplications@southwark.gov.uk
Additional Information
Working hours: 36 hours per week
Location: 160 Tooley St, London SE1 2QH
Type of contract: 18-month fixed term contract
Benefits and more information: https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Friday 14th August 2026
Shortlisting date/s: 17th - 19th August 2026
Interview date/s: Week commencing 7th September 2026
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Private Rented Sector Visiting Officer employer: Southwark Careers
Southwark is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of its residents. With a strong focus on community support, employee development, and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to meaningful change in one of London's most diverse boroughs. Join us in our mission to improve housing standards and prevent homelessness, all within a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Rented Sector Visiting Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Private Rented Sector Visiting Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Careers
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Southwark Careers.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Southwark Careers that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
