Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Temporary Accommodation Move On Visiting Officer plays a key role in supporting households to transition from temporary accommodation into settled housing.

The postholder will engage directly with residentsprimarily through home visits or phone contact where necessaryto assess their housing needs identify the most suitable rehousing pathways (including social housing and the private rented sector) and ensure accurate up-to-date records are maintained.

The role is focused on enabling timely move-on by setting realistic expectations identifying barriers and connecting households to relevant support services. This contributes to reducing both the length of stay and overall demand for temporary accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact between households in temporary accommodation and the Move On Team building trust and rapport through strong customer engagement.
  
• Visit households (or conduct phone assessments where visits are not possible) to:
  
  • Complete occupancy and identity checks
    
  • Update housing needs assessments
    
  • Conduct affordability assessments
    
  • Identify the most appropriate route into settled accommodation
    
• Clearly communicate realistic housing options and set expectations regarding move-on pathways.
  
• Maintain accurate detailed and timely case records in line with service standards.
  
• Verify household composition including identifying and confirming adult dependents eligible for housing register inclusion.
  
• Ensure housing register applications are updated to reflect any changes in circumstances.
  
• Use data and analytics to prioritise households most ready to move into settled accommodation.
  
• Work closely with Move On Team colleagues to ensure appropriate property matching and successful housing offers.
  
• Support the process of discharging homelessness duties including issuing relevant notifications.
  
• Liaise with internal departments (e.g. Social Care Fraud teams) and external partners (e.g. GPs support agencies) to build a complete understanding of household needs.
  
• Identify wider support needs (e.g. benefits debt health) that may impact housing readiness.
  
• Signpost or refer households to appropriate support services to help sustain future tenancies.
  
• Use fraud indicators to verify occupancy and ensure the integrity of homelessness applications.
  
• Ensure all work complies with relevant legislation policies and procedures.
  
• Undertake regular travel to temporary accommodation across the borough wider London and occasionally beyond using public transport or a personal vehicle if available.
  
• Deliver high standards of customer service and contribute to an integrated resident-focused service.
  
• Take responsibility for administrative duties including accurate record-keeping and effective use of IT systems.
  
• Participate in performance management processes (appraisals one-to-ones development plans) and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
  
• Comply with all relevant legislation including Data Protection Health & Safety and Council policies and procedures.
  
• Promote equality diversity and inclusion and uphold the Councils values (including FRESH values where applicable).
  
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable children and adults in all aspects of work.
  
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and grade as required.
  

Requirements

• Experience working in housing homelessness or a related field.
  
• Knowledge of housing options homelessness legislation and welfare benefits.
  
• Experience conducting assessments casework or support planning with vulnerable individuals or households.
  
• Experience maintaining accurate records and managing a caseload.
  
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly.
  
• Ability to assess complex situations and make sound evidence-based decisions.
  
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a schedule of visits and competing priorities.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
• Competent in using IT systems and databases for case management.
  

• 35 Hours Per Week
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• Enhanced DBS is Required