Location
Elgin Ave., London

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
£53,319 per annum

About the Role
Do you want a role where your work directly helps prevent homelessness, protect residents and create safer homes across one of London’s most diverse communities? What if your next role gave you the opportunity to make a visible difference in people’s lives while helping shape better outcomes for residents? If you are passionate about supporting communities, improving housing standards and making a meaningful impact, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for a Private Rented Sector Visiting Officer to join our team on an 18-month fixed-term contract and play a key role in tackling some of the most complex housing challenges facing residents today. With a strong prevention-led approach, Southwark places the private rented sector at the heart of its ambition to reduce homelessness, improve housing conditions and ensure residents have access to safe, secure and sustainable homes.

As the PSR Visiting Officer, you will be at the forefront of this work - working directly within communities to identify risks early, provide support and help deliver positive outcomes for residents. This is an opportunity for someone who understands that housing is more than just a service - it is about dignity, security and improving quality of life. You will use your professional judgement to assess complex situations, provide practical solutions and support residents to sustain their homes wherever possible.

You will join a team that values collaboration, accountability and fairness, working together to deliver a proactive and innovative housing service that makes a positive difference. Southwark is committed to creating services that are inclusive, resident-focused and responsive to the needs of our communities. As part of our team, you will contribute to meaningful change while continuing to develop your skills and experience within a supportive environment.

What You'll Be Doing
As our Visiting Officer within the Housing Needs and Support service, you will deliver frontline support across the private rented sector. Your role will include:
- Carrying out visits to residents and properties across the borough to identify tenancy risks, housing concerns and opportunities for early intervention.
- Providing practical housing advice and support to tenants, helping residents sustain their homes and avoid homelessness wherever possible.
- Working directly with landlords and tenants to resolve housing issues, improve communication and encourage positive outcomes.
- Assessing housing conditions, identifying potential risks and recognising safeguarding concerns, making appropriate referrals to specialist services where required.
- Supporting the identification of breaches of housing legislation and working alongside enforcement and specialist teams to improve standards within the private rented sector.
- Managing a varied caseload, prioritising competing demands and ensuring residents receive a high-quality, timely and effective service.
- Building strong relationships with internal teams, external agencies and community partners to provide a coordinated approach to homelessness prevention and resident support.

This role offers the opportunity to combine housing knowledge, problem-solving skills and community engagement to deliver long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Experience
Experience working with residents and landlords to resolve housing challenges, providing advice and support to people who may be at risk of homelessness or experiencing difficulties sustaining their tenancy. Demonstrable ability to assess complex housing situations and identify practical solutions. Experience managing a caseload while maintaining high standards of service delivery.

About you
Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, landlords and partner organisations. Ability to produce clear written correspondence, reports and case records using plain English. A collaborative approach, with confidence to work across services and build effective partnerships. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with the ability to work sensitively with residents from a wide range of backgrounds. A shared commitment to prevention, fairness and improving outcomes for residents.

Qualifications
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please refer to the job description and person specification provided by the employer.