Location
Hounslow

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
£49,056 - £52,194

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Homelessness, Independence and Preventative Services at the London Borough of Hounslow, which adopts a preventative approach across housing, health and social care agendas. You will take a lead role in housing allocations to council properties and nominations to Registered Providers. You will manage the team responsible for allocating permanent council accommodation and nominations to Registered Providers, ensuring properties are let as soon as practicably possible. You will oversee viewings and signups for new tenancies, taking account of individual customer needs, and monitor key performance data on allocations.

You will engage with service users through telephone and email contact, maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer records. You will actively promote the service and participate in developing service improvements across the Homelessness, Independence and Preventative Services. Collaboration with colleagues and other professionals is essential to achieve positive outcomes for residents and support the council’s shared goals.

This role involves managing a busy and evolving team focused on reducing the use of temporary accommodation and achieving upstream prevention outcomes. You will be a visible leader, adept at managing high volumes of work involving vulnerable residents, demonstrating compassion, energy and enthusiasm. You will work collaboratively with partner agencies to develop initiatives that help residents live independently and safely, preventing homelessness.

You will mentor and support staff handling complex, sensitive cases, ensuring resources are targeted effectively and cross-cutting issues are addressed with borough-wide solutions. The role requires operating effectively in a demanding environment with multiple priorities, ensuring timely interventions, statutory compliance, and responses to legal challenges.

Joining this team means making a real difference to the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes, within a forward-thinking and progressive housing department.

Experience
Extensive knowledge and experience of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Proven experience working with vulnerable people and leading multi-disciplinary housing teams dealing with complex needs and diverse client groups. Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation and associated policies.

About you
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage and develop staff in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with applicants, colleagues, and elected members, influencing and negotiating to achieve multi-disciplinary outcomes. Acts with integrity, takes personal responsibility, handles stress effectively, and makes confident decisions. Flexible and independent worker who adapts to changing needs and keeps the team updated on legislation, policy and guidance to ensure legal compliance. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a comprehensive understanding of issues faced by vulnerable people. Collaborative team leader focused on achieving targets and service objectives while supporting staff to deliver frontline services effectively.

Ability to travel independently around the Borough to visit properties and meet professionals in community settings.

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent qualifications are desirable but not essential.