Move on Officer

London Source: WhatJobs

£50,000–£61,000

Move On Officer

Organisation: Tower Hamlets Council

Contract Type: Temporary

Contract Length: Initially 6 months

Pay Rate: £30.23 per hour Umbrella Hours: 35 hours per week Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in the office

About the Role Tower Hamlets Council is seeking an experienced Move On Officer to join its Housing and Temporary Accommodation service on an initial 6-month contract. The successful candidate will work with households living in temporary accommodation, supporting and facilitating their move into suitable and sustainable settled accommodation.

The role will involve working across a range of housing options, including the Private Rented Sector (PRS), ensuring that households are appropriately matched and supported throughout the move-on process. You will need a strong understanding of homelessness legislation, temporary accommodation, PRS housing options and the statutory duties owed to homeless households. Experience of preparing and issuing housing offers and offer letters, ensuring that decisions and offers are legally compliant and clearly communicated, will also be important.

Key Responsibilities Manage a caseload of households living in temporary accommodation and proactively progress suitable move-on opportunities. Assess households' housing needs, circumstances and barriers to moving on into settled accommodation. Identify appropriate move-on options, including social housing, private rented sector accommodation and other suitable housing pathways.

Work closely with households to ensure they understand their housing options, responsibilities and the move-on process. Liaise with landlords, letting agents, accommodation providers and internal council teams to secure and progress suitable accommodation. Utilise knowledge of the Private Rented Sector to support households into appropriate and sustainable PRS accommodation. Match households to suitable accommodation in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and statutory guidance. Prepare, issue and manage housing offer letters and associated documentation, ensuring offers are clearly communicated and appropriately recorded. Ensure that offers of accommodation meet relevant suitability requirements and that all statutory duties and procedures are followed. Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, notes and documentation on relevant housing management systems.

1 Work collaboratively with Temporary Accommodation, Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention, Allocations and other relevant services.
Support customers to overcome barriers that may prevent or delay their move into settled accommodation. Provide clear advice and information to households regarding homelessness duties, housing offers and the consequences of accepting or refusing accommodation.
Respond to customer queries and manage cases professionally, sensitively and in a timely manner.
Ensure all actions are carried out in line with relevant legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated homelessness legislation and guidance.
Contribute to reducing the length of time households spend in temporary accommodation and support the effective use of temporary accommodation resources.
Attend office-based meetings and work collaboratively with colleagues, with an expectation of being in the office 2-3 days per week.
Person Specification Essential Experience and Knowledge Previous experience working as a Move On Officer, Housing Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, Housing Options Officer or within a similar local authority housing role.
Strong experience of supporting households to move on from temporary accommodation into settled housing. Experience and understanding of Private Rented Sector housing and working with PRS landlords, agents or accommodation providers. Knowledge of homelessness legislation and local authority duties towards homeless households.
Understanding of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and relevant statutory guidance. Experience of preparing, issuing or managing housing offers and offer letters.
Understanding of accommodation suitability and the factors that should be considered when making housing offers. Ability to manage a busy and varied caseload and progress cases efficiently.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex housing information clearly to customers. Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Good organisational and administrative skills, with experience of maintaining accurate case records. Desirable Previous experience working within a London local authority.
Experience using housing management or homelessness case management systems.
Knowledge of temporary accommodation reduction and move-on strategies. Experience of working with vulnerable households with multiple or complex needs.
Interview Process The interview process will consist of one stage only.
2 Candidates will be asked 6 brief questions focusing on: Temporary Accommodation move-on experience. Experience of working with households in temporary accommodation.
Knowledge and experience of the Private Rented Sector. Understanding of homelessness duties and relevant legislation. Experience and understanding of housing offers and offer letters. Ability to assess suitable housing options and progress households into settled accommodation.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced housing professional with a strong background in Temporary Accommodation Move On, PRS and homelessness services to secure an initial 6-month contract with Tower Hamlets Council.
Public Sector and Government