PURPOSE OF THE JOB

· To support and coordinate support services and information to homeless ex offenders to enable them to acquire accommodation in the private rented sector, to live independently and to maintain their tenancies.

· To liaise with key partners and stakeholders and ensure that additional support such as mental health, drugs and alcohol recovery are provided for customers that are in need.

* To promote the use of the private rented sector as a viable alternative to social rented housing, in order to encourage independence, prevent homelessness, provide settled housing solutions and reduce the Council's use of temporary accommodation.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

· To assess ex offenders for suitability to move into the private rented sector with support.

* Provide tenancy sustainment support ensuring tenancies in the private rented sector are sustainable.

· To provide advice on all processes leading to acquiring a private rented sector tenancy and tenancy sustainment service for residents assessed and accepted for the council's accommodation for ex-offenders service requiring assistance.

· To identify the welfare and support needs as well as considering any risks of ex offenders requiring private rented accommodation through visits and other contacts, reports from internal officers and collaborative working with other agencies including Probation and the Police .

· To carry out accompanied viewings following risk assessments with applicants and provide them with advice and guidance on all aspects of lettings (including welfare benefits, tenancy responsibilities) to assist them in making an informed decision.

· Assist applicants to explore other housing options where available such as, options for settled accommodation outside of London, Flat share schemes etc.

· Preparation of tenancy support material required to enable sustainable tenancies. To ensure that applicants are provided with information on local services where accommodated and signposted to local services where applicable such as GP's, Dentists, Job Centre places of Worship etc.

· To act as a point of contact for landlords and tenants who are experiencing difficulties in sustaining tenancies, including working with the supported lettings team to militate against tenancy breakdowns. Identifying measures to enable appropriate solutions.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

The law governing homelessness and an understanding of current issues in housing.

Awareness of issues and challenges facing ex offenders and solutions to resolve homelessness

Knowledge of housing benefit rules and regulations, welfare benefits and issues relating to private rented tenancies.

Experience:

Experience of working with ex- offenders in housing need including those with varying support needs providing advice, assistance and support.

Experience of and be able to demonstrate the ability to motivate individuals.

Experience of co-ordinating solution focused action plans that involves other agencies as needed and encourages customers to take responsibility for all areas of their lives and promote healthy, successful outcomes that are holistic, yet realistic.

* social housing: 2 years (required)

* ex- offenders in housing: 1 year (required)

* Supported Lettings Officer: 2 years (required)

RQ(phone number removed)

Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer Supported Lettings Officer