Accommodation Solutions Officer

We're recruiting a proactive and compassionate Accommodation Solutions Officer to join a busy local authority housing service in London. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference by supporting vulnerable individuals and families in temporary accommodation to move towards long-term, stable housing solutions.

You'll be part of a dedicated Temporary Accommodation and Resettlement Team, providing high-quality advice, ensuring accommodation suitability, resolving tenancy issues, and working with partners to deliver effective move-on options into private rented, social housing, or intermediate rent.

The Role

• Place households into suitable temporary accommodation in line with policy, legal requirements, and the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Conduct suitability assessments, tenancy audits, and property inspections to ensure compliance and safety.
• Support households to make informed choices, bid effectively for available housing, and access move-on options.
• Respond promptly to accommodation complaints, tenancy breaches, and enforcement issues, escalating where appropriate.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Legal, Social Services, and external accommodation providers to manage placements and resolve complex cases.
• Prepare documentation and reports for legal proceedings, reviews, and internal panels.
• Monitor high-cost emergency accommodation placements and identify suitable, cost-effective move-on opportunities.
• Liaise with support services to provide wraparound care and make appropriate referrals for residents with additional needs.
• Manage inboxes, telephone enquiries, and correspondence from residents, elected members, MPs, and external advocates.
• Support service improvement by contributing to housing policy development, case reviews, and performance reporting.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in housing, homelessness prevention, or temporary accommodation services.
• Strong understanding of homelessness legislation, housing pathways, and tenancy management.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with residents, landlords, and partners.
• Experience managing sensitive and complex cases with professionalism and empathy.
• Good IT skills and experience using housing management systems (e.g., Northgate, NEC, or similar).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills.
• A collaborative, resident-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence.