Private Rented Sector Officer (temp: Haywards Heath, Sussex)

A fantastic opportunity has emerged for a Private Rented Sector Officer to join our public sector client's homelessness department in a temporary placement, initially for three months (but with every possibility of being extended should the successful candidate perform well). Our client is based in Haywards Heath in Mid Sussex, and their station is on the Thameslink service which is just a 27 minute direct train service from East Croydon station.

Working 37 hours each week (Monday to Friday), this post is hybrid working (2 days per week in their office but some travel in the district may be required). Free staff parking is available, and experience of Home Connections is desirable.

Main responsibilities of the role include:

Providing a tenancy sustainment service to private sector tenants & landlords who have approached the Council and are at risk of homelessness as well as those who have been assisted under the Council's Rent in Advance and Deposit Guarantee Scheme, liaising with their landlords and the Council's Housing Benefit Department where necessary to resolve problems and prevent homelessness.
Providing assistance and mediation to tenants and private landlords in relation to rent payments impacted by welfare benefit changes including Universal Credit in order to prevent homelessness.
Proactively developing links and positive working relationships with private landlords and letting agents to ensure a supply of private rented homes is available to households referred to the post holder by colleagues in the Council's Housing Options Team, in order to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
Sourcing suitable, affordable private lettings with new and existing landlords that would enable the Council to discharge its full homelessness duty into the private rented sector where this is considered appropriate.
Working closely with colleagues in the Housing Options Team to operate the Council's Rent in Advance and Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
Investigating claims against Deposit Guarantees, including inspection of properties as required, negotiating with landlords, agents and tenants to reach an equitable settlement.

Please note, a car driver/owner would be desirable but is not essential providing you are happy to get around the borough by public transport when required.

Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria need apply for this post.