Housing Support Officer

As a Housing Support Officer you will thrive on helping others and being part of a team that helps vulnerable people maintain their tenancies and reduces risk of homelessness. It not about doing things to or for people, it about supporting them to develop their skills and knowledge, enabling them to access the sources of help and advice they need to sustain independent living.,

As our next Housing Support Officer you will join a large diverse team with a variety of experience and knowledge of housing and support work. It a team that thrives on supporting each other wellbeing as well as sharing the workload and ideas. The role is integral to our Housing Support Team which is part of Leeds Housing Options and specialises in supporting people in Leeds City Council accommodation.

The team covers every area in the city and supports local teams of Housing Officers who manage the council housing stock and provide the bulk of support referrals received by the team. You will also work with staff from partner agencies who deliver a variety of support services to our tenants. You will have a key role in forging the links between tenants, housing management and support services.

Leeds Housing Options key function is to prevent homelessness and you will play an important part in this teams efforts to prevent tenancy failure and resulting homelessness., To provide quality housing management services to meet the needs of customers, making a positive contribution to the social and physical environment of the area managed. Customer focused and motivated to give the best possible service in the communities we serve.

To deliver an efficient customer focused service, ensuring maximum performance levels and continuous improvements in all areas of housing management services. Principal Responsibilities:

• To take ownership and responsibility for the social and physical environment of a defined geographical service area.
• To ensure that the estate environment is maintained to a high standard.
• To be responsible for the achievement of performance targets within a defined geographical area.
• To be responsible for maximising various income streams to the authority and our tenants
• To deal with issues of anti-social behaviour, nuisance and work with other agencies to help create safe and sustainable communities.
• To enforce tenancy conditions where appropriate.
• Supervise and manage staff as required
• Provide appropriate advice and support to customers.
• To ensure the Councils safeguarding procedures are followed where appropriate.
• To actively develop and promote tenant engagement and involvement through a variety of different approaches.
• To work with partner services, elected members and local communities to deliver and develop services and improvements in a defined area.
• To work within Council policies and procedures including data protection and financial regulations.
• To ensure the Council's health and safety policies and legal requirements are adhered to.
• To contribute to the development, review and improvement of policies and strategies in line with current legislation and best practice.
• To support the achievement of equality and diversity in both employment and service delivery including the promotion of equality of opportunity
• Promote and deliver the priorities, values and objectives of Leeds City Council at all times
  As a Housing Support Officer, you will bring to the role:
• Knowledge of the role of Council Housing Service and responsibilities in managing homes and communities and awareness of current housing issues.
• Knowledge of Councils allocations and Lettings procedures
• Be able to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, partner agencies and elected members
• Able to show empathy, act tactfully and sympathetically with customers over a range of issues
• Experience of working in a busy customer focused team, This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Prior to the Interview we will request your References. Failure to obtain both references may result in your interview being withdrawn.
• Knowledge of the role of the Council Housing Service and its responsibilities in managing homes and communities.
• Knowledge of current housing issues, legislation, policies and local strategies and initiatives.
• Awareness of customer engagement opportunities, enabling customers to help design and evaluate services.
• A good understanding of equality issues in the day to day delivery of services.
• Knowledge of the Council's Allocations and Lettings procedures.
• Knowledge of effective income management practices.
• Knowledge of effective anti-social behaviour remedies and best…