Temporary Accommodation Officer
Council: London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Role: Temporary Accommodation Officer
Contract: Temporary / Contract
Rate: £29.69 per hour (Umbrella)
Working Pattern: Full-time
Location: Hammersmith & Fulham, London
Office Requirement: 3 days per week on site
Job Purpose
The Temporary Accommodation Officer will be responsible for managing a caseload of households living in temporary accommodation, ensuring that accommodation is suitable, safe, legally compliant and provides value for money.
The post holder will work closely with households, landlords, managing agents and internal housing teams to resolve accommodation issues, manage tenancy-related matters and support households towards suitable move-on or settled accommodation.
The role requires a strong understanding of temporary accommodation, housing legislation, tenancy management and homelessness services, together with the ability to manage competing priorities and provide a high-quality customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of households placed in temporary accommodation, ensuring cases are actively monitored and progressed.
- Maintain regular contact with residents and provide clear advice regarding their temporary accommodation and housing options.
- Assess and respond to issues relating to the suitability, condition and availability of temporary accommodation.
- Liaise with landlords, managing agents and accommodation providers to resolve repairs, property condition, tenancy and service-related issues.
- Monitor temporary accommodation placements and take appropriate action where accommodation is no longer suitable or circumstances have changed.
- Work closely with Housing Options, Homelessness, Allocations, Repairs and other relevant teams to ensure a coordinated service.
- Identify opportunities for households to move on from temporary accommodation into suitable settled accommodation.
- Support the effective management and reduction of temporary accommodation use, helping the Council minimise unnecessary accommodation costs.
- Ensure residents are provided with appropriate information and advice regarding their rights and responsibilities while living in temporary accommodation.
- Investigate and resolve complaints, enquiries and service issues relating to temporary accommodation.
- Ensure all casework and decisions are accurately recorded on relevant housing systems and that records are maintained to a high standard.
- Ensure actions and decisions comply with relevant housing and homelessness legislation, Council policies and procedures.
- Work proactively to identify risks, prevent tenancy breakdown and reduce the likelihood of households remaining in temporary accommodation unnecessarily.
- Liaise with external agencies and partner organisations where appropriate to support residents with complex housing needs.
- Attend accommodation visits, inspections and meetings where required.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives and the development of effective temporary accommodation processes.
Knowledge and Experience
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Previous experience working within a local authority housing or homelessness service.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of temporary accommodation.
- An understanding of homelessness legislation, housing legislation and relevant statutory guidance.
- Experience managing a caseload and working to deadlines and performance targets.
- Experience dealing with landlords, managing agents and accommodation providers.
- Knowledge of tenancy management, housing options and move-on processes.
- Experience handling complex customer enquiries, complaints and housing-related issues.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and case management skills.
- The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a wider team.
- Good IT skills and experience using housing management or case management systems.
Personal Attributes
- Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering a high-quality housing service.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging or vulnerable customers.
- Proactive approach to case management and resolving issues.
- Good attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
- Ability to manage a busy workload and prioritise competing demands.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and providing an inclusive service.
Contract Details
Rate: £29.69 per hour Umbrella
Contract: Temporary contract role
Location: Hammersmith & Fulham, London
Working Arrangement: Hybrid – minimum 3 days per week on site
Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Hammersmith and Fulham
Public Sector and Government
Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual’s skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.
