Discharge of Duty Officer

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is an experienced professional with extensive knowledge of homelessness legislation and related statutes, focusing on temporary accommodation management. You have a strong background in front-line housing services, particularly in diverse, high-pressure urban environments. Your communication and negotiation skills are exceptional, and you demonstrate a strong commitment to equalities and diversity. You have a proven track record of achieving high accuracy in your work and are able to manage complex assessments and legal processes effectively.

What the Job Involves

The Discharge of Duty Officer is responsible for directly managing properties acquired for temporary accommodation for homeless households. Key responsibilities include handling void management, lettings, tenancy management, rent arrears, repairs, landlord liaison, evictions, and related areas. The role requires collaboration with various teams such as Housing Needs, Housing Allocation, and the Council's Social Lettings Agency. The position also requires managing the discharge of duty for specific cases and conducting comprehensive assessments and legal decisions. You are also tasked with maximizing rental revenue and ensuring sustainable occupation while providing housing services, addressing tenancy breaches, and safeguarding vulnerable tenants.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of housing law and homelessness legislation
• Ability to conduct affordability and suitability assessments
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage complex legal processes
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills
• Knowledge of tenancy law and eviction processes
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting
• Good numeracy and understanding of housing benefit administration
• Full, clean UK driving licence and use of a car