Housing Team Manager

Description:

Housing Team Manager

Location: Aldgate

Responsible for: Caseworkers, Student placements, volunteers

Contract: Hybrid - full Time (3 days office based, 2 days from home)

Pay: £16.73 per hour

OVERVIEW

The main purpose of this role is to is to support and motivate staff in achieving outcomes and meeting targets within a payment-by-results initiative focused on preventing or relieving homelessness among single refugee individuals.

This involves meticulous analysis of data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and the production of comprehensive reports.

Additionally, responsibilities include building and managing relationships with landlords in the private sector, expanding the housing inventory, fostering connections throughout the council, overseeing referrals, managing financial transactions and budgets, and ensuring accurate data input and monitoring.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ​

To ensure that support is focused on achieving specified outcomes, specifically the prevention or relief of homelessness, the holistic integration of individuals into their new community and eight months tenancy sustainment.

Managing the referral process, inputting data into the database, and assigning referrals to caseworkers.

To oversee daily financial transactions, track budgets, and prepare financial reports on a regular basis.

To work alongside the finance team, statutory, and non-statutory organisations to guarantee the precise and punctual handling of financial transactions, as well as the reimbursement of payments. Support the team to achieve the agreed standards of service delivery in compliance with relevant legislation, external governance, contract requirements and Hestia policies and procedures.

Offering guidance and assistance to the team concerning housing and welfare legislation

To complete regular supervision with staff team, students, and volunteers.

Lead on the timely and accurate submission of all internal and external reports detailing interim strategies to address any areas of underperformance in line with contract requirements.

Develop and execute collaborative working and monitoring protocols with essential stakeholders and partners for the service.

Oversee service performance in accordance with the contractual obligations, including analysing outcomes and user experience measures.

Ensuring that the contract's compliance aligns with the quality assessment standards outlined in the service contract.

Be familiar with roles, responsibilities, and adhere to Hestia and legal guidelines regarding workplace health and safety. Take accountability for ensuring the safety of oneself and others, and ensure adherence to local procedures for Lone Working and Fire safety.

Adhere to and follow information management processes or procedures within Hestia, as well as externally when utilising databases/systems of partnership agencies.

Produce, maintain and record accurate, relevant and up to date information including recording all contacts with clients appropriately to promote effective service delivery and evaluation. Ensure recording systems are up to date for periodic service reviews and service development and that client information is recorded in line with the GDPR.

Provide regular updates to the team regarding a variety of accommodation options available for the service.

To ensure that the properties being sourced are relevant for the client group through regular communication with the team and assessing any relevant paperwork.

Ensure all essential support is provided to enhance the client's ability to maintain their tenancy, including referring them to appropriate services and attending appointments if needed. Additionally, source Private Rented Sector Accommodation for the service by establishing and nurturing relationships with letting agents and landlords.

To develop partnerships with a range of accommodation providers to meet the needs of the service and its client, including but not limited to supported housing providers, social/registered landlords and other third sector providers.

To ensure that all procured accommodation complies with relevant health and safety and building control regulations.

Stay informed and up to date on relevant changes in legislation concerning local authority housing assistance, welfare reform, and other significant areas affecting our clients' lives. Provide regular updates to the team to ensure everyone is informed of the latest developments.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

* Demonstrate knowledge, experience or relevant qualifications in housing and homelessness legislation, the Homelessness Reduction Act and Housing Act.

* Proficient understanding of welfare benefits legislation, including welfare reform, and Health and Safety regulations.

* Demonstrate knowledge and/or experience of securing accommodation within the private rented sector, including familiarity with navigating rental agreements, understanding landlord-tenant dynamics, and awareness of local housing markets and rental trends.

* Possess a thorough understanding of prevention and relief options for homelessness, coupled with hands-on experience in effectively preventing or relieving homelessness through various interventions and support strategies.

* Demonstrable experience in effectively managing services tailored to meet the needs of individuals at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing homelessness, demonstrating adeptness in coordinating support, implementing interventions, and fostering positive outcomes for clients.

* Proven track record of successfully managing a team, covering tasks such as conducting inductions, providing supervision, fostering motivation, delivering training, and addressing grievance issues with professionalism and effectiveness.

* Possess a solid knowledge base and understanding of safeguarding issues, coupled with the ability to address them appropriately, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals involved while adhering to relevant policies and procedures.

* Proficient in coordinating the efforts of multiple individuals or agencies to accomplish tasks within specified timelines and according to predetermined specifications, demonstrating effective communication, organisation, and leadership skills.

* Demonstrated ability to forge strong partnerships with external agencies and effectively collaborate with a diverse range of service providers or agencies to establish or enhance services for clients. Proficient negotiation skills to navigate partnerships and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes are also essential.

* Ability to be self-motivating, work under pressure, and manage time effectively, prioritising different areas of work according to need.

* Possess a solid level of numeracy, literacy, and comprehension skills to accurately prepare and maintain case records, reports, effectively communicate in writing with other agencies, and analyse both written and numerical information proficiently.

* Willingness to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements, work outside of office hours and travel on occasion