Accommodation Assessment Lettings Officer

Posted 13 July 2025
Salary 29.15
LocationLewisham SE13 United Kingdom
Job type Contract
Sector Community & Social
ReferenceOR9881

Job description

5-6 months contract with a local authority

Job Purpose

To manage the assessment and allocation of emergency, temporary, and supported accommodation for homeless households. The role ensures timely placements, legal compliance, and effective use of housing stock to prevent and relieve homelessness, while supporting the council’s strategy to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

  • Arrange emergency and temporary accommodation placements promptly, ensuring appropriate referrals into supported housing.
  • Make offers of accommodation in line with housing legislation, including robust decisions to discharge duty where applicable.
  • Coordinate available properties in the private rented sector and work with Housing Caseworkers to identify priority households for Direct Lets.
  • Ensure all offers of accommodation (temporary and private rented) are suitable, high-quality, and legally compliant.
  • Monitor and maximise move-on opportunities from temporary and supported accommodation to reduce overall usage.
  • Maintain accurate records of all placements and housing types, ensuring data is available for internal and external reporting.
  • Ensure all decisions and actions comply with relevant housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part 7), Sections 188, 193, and discharge of duty provisions.
  • Contribute to the council’s homelessness prevention strategy and action plans.
  • Liaise with internal teams, landlords, and external partners to secure and manage accommodation options.
Essential Experience Required

  • Experience in housing needs, homelessness services, or lettings within a local authority or similar setting.
  • Strong understanding of housing legislation, particularly the Housing Act 1996 (Part 7), including Sections 188, 193, and discharge of duty.
Essential Qualification Required

  • Good standard of education (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent).
Additional information to note

  • Working Hours: 35 hours per week.
  • DBS might be required for this role.
Closing Date: 27th July 2025

Requirements

Requirements
  • Experience in housing needs, homelessness services, or lettings within a local authority or similar setting.
  • Strong understanding of housing legislation, particularly the Housing Act 1996 (Part 7), including Sections 188, 193, and discharge of duty.
  • Good standard of education (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent).