Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer

One of my local goverment clients is seeking an experienced and proactive Accommodation Assessment & Lettings Officer to join their Housing Needs & Refugee Services division. This role plays a critical function in arranging emergency and temporary accommodation placements and supporting the allocation of suitable long-term housing solutions in line with statutory duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Arrange emergency and temporary accommodation placements, including referrals into supported housing.

• Make offers of properties in line with Housing legislation and manage discharges of duty.

• Liaise with internal teams (e.g. Children’s Social Services, Adult Social Care) to arrange emergency housing placements.

• Coordinate and allocate available properties in the private rented sector (PRS) and identify households for Direct Lets.

• Maintain accurate property and tenant records, monitor void turnaround times, and ensure re-let times are minimised.

• Manage move-ons from temporary accommodation and ensure suitable housing pathways are in place.

• Draft robust decision letters for suitability reviews and discharge of duty.

• Monitor rent accounts, initiate Housing Benefit claims, and ensure income recovery.

• Respond to complaints and enquiries within corporate timeframes.

• Liaise with landlords, partner agencies, and internal departments to maximise housing options and service outcomes.

• Use multiple ICT systems to maintain accurate, evidence-based records and support performance reporting.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996 Parts VI & VII, and relevant housing legislation.

• Understanding of landlord & tenant law, welfare benefits, and housing allocations policies.

• Experience coordinating emergency accommodation and supported housing placements.

• Ability to assess affordability and suitability of accommodation.

• Experience working with vulnerable client groups and handling sensitive situations.

• Ability to draft clear, legally sound decision letters.

• Familiarity with housing databases and administrative systems.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and case management skills.

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work under pressure, managing a demanding caseload.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Experience working in local authority housing or homelessness services.

• Comfortable dealing with high-need or distressed service users.

• Proactive, solution-focused, and able to work both independently and within a team.

• Flexible and willing to attend home visits or occasional evening work.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and partnership working.

If interested in this role please send your CV to Lee-Jaun at Coyle Personnel Ltd.