We are currently looking for an experienced individual to join the team on 4 or 5 days a week basis supporting the Housing Operations Manager and focussing on specific areas of the service. Please note that this role is being offered on a hybrid basis with a requirement of 2 days a week in the office.

Accountabilities:

• Maintain specialist knowledge on all legal, policy and best practice developments in homelessness, housing advice, allocations and related areas.
• Take the lead in drafting replies to MP enquiries and complaints across the Housing Operations Service; identifying any training and development needs or changes to procedure which may be required.
• Undertake the S202 Homelessness Review Officer role and ensure all statutory duties in relation to review decisions are met.
• Support the Team Managers with managing the performance of their teams, including conducting quality reviews.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to senior managers, members, colleagues, on allocations, housing advice and homelessness issues.
• To support the effective operation and management of temporary accommodation to minimise use of Bed & Breakfast and to support the aim of reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation. To include units in the Council's own stock, the temporary accommodation agreement with Eastlight Community Homes and any future arrangements with ECH or other providers.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults using the Council's Housing Services.
• To assist with resilience in the Housing Service, working flexibly across the teams as required.
• Contribute to partnership work with the Council's key partner agencies in order to enhance the development of prevention services, actively maintaining links with other programmes such as the Rough Sleeping Initiative Group.
• Ensure all BVPIs, KPIs and local performance indicators are adhered to and improved upon wherever possible.

The Experience You Will Bring:

• Detailed, advanced level working knowledge of current homelessness law, policy and practice
• Good understanding and knowledge of housing allocations law and policy and practice.
• Understanding of the wider context of Housing.
• Understanding of local government, political context and democratic process.
• Understanding of Equality and Diversity and how this affects service delivery, especially in regard to vulnerable customers
• Awareness of the relevant provisions contained within other social welfare legislation relating to the assistance which may be provided to homeless and other vulnerable households.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.