Accommodation Officer (Housing)

Job Description

2 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Accommodation Officer

Job Purpose

To provide effective tenancy and accommodation management services for households placed in temporary and emergency accommodation. The postholder will be responsible for monitoring occupancy, conducting property inspections, investigating breaches of occupancy agreements, and supporting tenancy sustainment and move-on activities.

The Accommodation Officer will work directly with homeless households and vulnerable individuals to ensure accommodation is safe, suitable, and used appropriately, while contributing to the efficient operation of the Accommodation Operations Team. The role requires a proactive, professional, and resilient individual who can quickly become operational and work independently within a fast-paced frontline environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accommodation Management

• Carry out occupancy checks and property inspections across accommodation units to verify occupancy and compliance with licence and tenancy conditions.
  
• Monitor the appropriate use of accommodation and investigate suspected breaches of occupancy agreements.
  
• Issue occupancy warnings, breach notices, and other tenancy-related correspondence where required.
  
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, visits, actions, and outcomes.
  
• Ensure accommodation remains safe, suitable, and compliant with required standards.
  

Tenancy and Licence Management

• Manage tenancy, licence, and accommodation-related cases from initial assessment through to resolution.
  
• Support tenancy sustainment and prevent tenancy breakdown where possible.
  
• Investigate complaints, anti-social behaviour, abandonment, unauthorised occupation, and other tenancy-related issues.
  
• Prepare reports, case notes, warning letters, notices, and eviction-related documentation.
  
• Support accommodation move-on processes and assist households in securing more permanent housing solutions.
  

Resident Support and Engagement

• Maintain regular contact with residents to assess accommodation needs and address concerns.
  
• Provide advice and guidance regarding occupancy responsibilities and housing options.
  
• Work with vulnerable households and individuals presenting with a range of support needs.
  
• Support residents in accessing relevant services and agencies.
  

Homelessness and Housing Services

• Support the delivery of temporary accommodation services for homeless households.
  
• Participate in front-line housing duty functions and face-to-face customer services as required.
  
• Contribute to safeguarding and risk management processes.
  
• Work within relevant housing, homelessness, and safeguarding legislation and guidance.
  

Partnership Working

• Liaise effectively with internal departments, landlords, housing providers, support agencies, health professionals, and other stakeholders.
  
• Attend meetings and case conferences where appropriate.
  
• Develop positive working relationships to support successful housing outcomes.
  

Compliance and Administration

• Ensure all records, databases, and housing management systems are accurately maintained.
  
• Produce management information, reports, and statistical data as required.
  
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, legal requirements, and service standards.
  
• Escalate high-risk cases and safeguarding concerns appropriately.
  

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience working within a housing, homelessness, temporary accommodation, or supported housing environment.
  
• Experience conducting occupancy inspections, property visits, or tenancy compliance checks.
  
• Experience managing accommodation, tenancy, licence, or housing-related cases.
  
• Experience drafting:
  
• Formal letters
  
• Warning notices
  
• Eviction-related documentation
  
• Case records and reports
  
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and households with complex needs.
  
• Experience making balanced decisions regarding risk, tenancy management, and accommodation suitability.
  
• Experience managing a demanding caseload and working independently.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a Local Authority Housing or Homelessness Service.
  
• Experience managing temporary accommodation schemes and move-on pathways.
  
• Experience participating in front-line housing duty services.
  
• Experience undertaking safeguarding and risk assessments.
  
• Experience supporting individuals with multiple and complex support needs.
  
• Experience using housing management or homelessness case management systems.
  

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Access to a vehicle for business use.
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
  

Desirable

• Housing qualification (CIH Level 3 or above) or equivalent.
  
• Qualification in Housing, Homelessness, Social Care, Community Support, or a related field.
  
• Safeguarding training.
  
• Risk Assessment training.
  
• Customer Service or Conflict Management qualification.
  

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Knowledge of tenancy and accommodation management practices.
  
• Understanding of working with vulnerable individuals and complex needs.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
  
• Ability to prepare professional reports, notices, and correspondence.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
  
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  
• Ability to build positive relationships with residents and partner agencies.
  
• Resilient and professional approach when working under pressure.
  

Desirable

• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing law.
  
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and risk management.
  
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and strengths-based approaches.
  
• Understanding of temporary accommodation management processes.
  

Working Conditions

• Frontline role involving regular face-to-face contact with residents and service users.
  
• Frequent travel across Newport to undertake inspections and accommodation visits.
  
• Office, community, and accommodation-based working environment.
  
• Temporary assignment providing urgent cover due to staff absence.
  
• Ability to work flexibly to meet service demands.
  

Additional Information

• Pay Rate: £20.49 per hour (Limited/Umbrella)
  
• Location: John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA, United Kingdom
  
• Hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Payment Schedule: Bi-weekly
  
• Start Date: Immediate start available
  
• Contract Type: Temporary assignment providing urgent cover due to staff sickness
  
• Working Environment: Fast-paced frontline Housing and Homelessness Service
  
• Travel Requirements: Regular travel across Newport to undertake occupancy checks, property inspections, tenancy visits, and accommodation-related duties
  
• Driving Requirement: Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for business use is essential
  
• Closing Date: Applications closing soon – early applications are encouraged
  

Requirements
• Monitor the appropriate use of accommodation and investigate suspected breaches of occupancy agreements. • Issue occupancy warnings, breach notices, and other tenancy-related correspondence where required. • Maintain accurate records of inspections, visits, actions, and outcomes. • Ensure accommodation remains safe, suitable, and compliant with required standards.