Location: Croydon Council, Housing Directorate
Grade: 9
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week
Reports to: Hostel Manager
Croydon is a diverse borough, and our vision is to create great homes, places, and communities to enhance life opportunities. As part of our vision to transform housing services, the Housing Needs & Homelessness Service has been redesigned. Our ambition is to create a service which is fair and accessible, where residents are active participants in their journey towards finding a settled home.
If you are passionate about tackling homelessness in Croydon, improving services for residents, and working in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, come and join us.
You will provide a housing management service to temporary accommodation properties for homeless applicants and service users with mental health needs. This includes the admissions to and discharges from accommodation within the units, maintenance and upkeep of the buildings, issuing keys, and ensuring residents understand their responsibilities.
Role Overview
You will be responsible for maintaining a safe, supportive environment and areas of responsibility include:
* Maintaining a safe, supportive living environment, ensuring residents understand their housing responsibilities, and liaising with support agencies for move-on accommodation where necessary.
* Monitoring resident behaviour and managing any issues by reporting concerns, including serving Notice to Quit (NTQ) and proceeding to court where required, ensuring that legal and compliance standards are met, and the welfare of all residents is prioritised.
* Overseeing bed space management, aiming to minimise void periods and maximise rental income, while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular inspections, and completing necessary documentation.
* Maintaining accurate fire safety records and ensuring the property meets all regulatory requirements, including regular checks for fire alarms, emergency lighting, and water safety.
About You
* Experience working in a hostel environment: Essential experience of working in a hostel environment or related field, ideally with individuals who may be vulnerable due to homelessness.
* Experience of using a range of software packages: Proficient in using databases, MS Word, and spreadsheets.
* Homelessness Knowledge: An understanding of homelessness, its impact on individuals, and relevant homelessness legislation.
* Customer Service: Ability to provide a pro-active, caring, and responsive service for customers and partners through active listening and ascertaining their needs.
* Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to negotiate with internal and external accommodation providers and explain complex issues to the diverse users of the service, as well as writing letters, reports, and procedures using plain English.
We are passionate about our staff and in return we will provide a rewarding career with a commitment to investing in you.
* Inclusive Culture: Join a team that values diversity and is committed to creating a supportive work environment where all staff can thrive.
* Career Development: We invest in our staff and support their development.
* Generous Benefits Package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Local Government Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%, up to 31 days of annual leave (eligibility criteria apply) in addition to Bank Holidays, and the option to purchase more, with a commitment to your well-being and work-life balance through access to the confidential and free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7.
* Family Friendly Provisions: Generous maternity leave and family leave provisions.
* Work Life Balance: Options for flexible and agile working in line with service demand.
* Make a Difference: Be part of a council that is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents through effective and compassionate housing management. At Croydon, relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change.
Assessment Centres: Week Commencing 23rd January 2025
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role. We also consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr