Temporary Accommodation Officer – Somerset Council
Employer: Somerset Council
Job Title: Temporary Accommodation Officer
Location: Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Salary: £29,542 – £33,119 per annum
Grade: Grade 12
Contract: Fixed Term – 2 years
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid/flexible, subject to service requirements
Closing Date: Not stated in the supplied vacancy information
Job Reference: TR0151
About the Role
Somerset Council is looking for a Temporary Accommodation Officer to help manage its temporary accommodation services and support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The successful candidate will help ensure temporary accommodation is allocated effectively, maintained to a suitable standard and provides a safe environment for residents while they work towards longer-term housing solutions.
The role involves working with residents, housing colleagues, contractors and partner organisations to deliver effective accommodation services and support positive housing outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
As a Temporary Accommodation Officer, your responsibilities will include:
- Managing the day-to-day operation of temporary accommodation services across Somerset.
- Coordinating placements and ensuring households are accommodated appropriately and efficiently.
- Supporting residents with advice, guidance and access to relevant services.
- Managing tenancy agreements, including sign-ups, terminations and tenancy-related issues.
- Working with contractors and colleagues to ensure properties are maintained and fit for purpose.
- Monitoring rent accounts and supporting rent collection and arrears management.
- Carrying out property inspections and ensuring health and safety requirements are met.
- Responding appropriately to anti-social behaviour and tenancy breaches.
- Participating in an out-of-hours emergency standby rota.
- Maintaining accurate records and contributing to improvements in temporary accommodation services.
Requirements / Person Specification
Applicants should have:
- Knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness services and tenancy management.
- Experience working in housing or a related service, particularly with vulnerable individuals and families.
- Understanding of welfare benefits, support services and issues affecting people experiencing homelessness.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to build effective relationships with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong record-keeping and administrative skills.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
- The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.
- Relevant qualifications or significant experience in housing management, social work or a related area.
Salary & Benefits
The role offers a salary of £29,542 to £33,119 per year at Grade 12.
Benefits include:
- 28 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service requirements allow.
- Health and wellbeing support.
- Confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities.
Working Pattern
The position is for 37 hours per week and can be based at a Somerset Council office location, with hybrid working available in line with service requirements.
The role also involves:
- Participation in an out-of-hours emergency standby rota.
- Travel across Somerset when required for service delivery.
- Working arrangements under Somerset Council’s Dynamic Working Strategy.
Visa / Right-to-Work
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Somerset Council has confirmed that it can only proceed with applicants who already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.
Applicants seeking Skilled Worker sponsorship should therefore note that this vacancy does not provide sponsorship.
Application / Selection Process
Applications should be submitted through the official Somerset Council recruitment portal.
Candidates who require further information about the position can contact Sam Wenden-de-Lira, Head of Service, by email at sam.wenden@somerset.gov.uk.
A job description is also available for the Temporary Accommodation Officer position.
Deadline
The supplied vacancy information does not state a closing date. Applicants should check the official Somerset Council vacancy page for the current application deadline before applying.
FAQs
What is the salary for the Temporary Accommodation Officer role?
The salary is £29,542 to £33,119 per annum at Grade 12.
Where is the job based?
The role is based in Taunton, Somerset, with the vacancy stating that it can be based at any Somerset Council office location, subject to service requirements.
Is this a permanent position?
No. This is a two-year fixed-term contract.
How many hours will I work?
The position is 37 hours per week.
Is hybrid working available?
Yes. Hybrid working arrangements are available where service requirements allow.
Does Somerset Council offer visa sponsorship for this job?
No. The employer explicitly states that sponsorship is not available and applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.
Will the role involve working outside normal hours?
Yes. The post includes participation in an out-of-hours emergency standby rota.
Will travel be required?
Yes. The role may require travel across Somerset as part of service delivery.
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