Housing officer

PURPOSE OF THE JOB To provide a tailored, resident-focused housing management service within a designated neighbourhood. This will include: * providing effective tenancy management and enforcing tenancy conditions; * ensuring that tenants and leaseholders are involved in the design and implementation of estate management services to meet individual and neighbourhood requirements; * pro-actively liaising with other housing divisions, as well as undertaking joint working across the housing service, and engaging with external partners to deliver effective services. MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Tenancy management 1. To ensure that tenants understand their rights andresponsibilities under the tenancy agreement and that all tenancy conditions are adhered to. 1. To take action concerning breach of tenancy, removal of squatters, unauthorised occupants, authorising successions, assignments and referring complex cases to the Area Housing Manager. 1. To attend Court to give evidence in cases relating to breaches of tenancy and of lease agreements and to execute evictions in conjunction with appointed bailiffs. 1. To investigate and manage all reported and recorded incidents of low level antisocial behaviour in a timely manner and in accordance with service standards, legislation and the Antisocial Behaviour Policy and Procedure. Ensure that early intervention and enforcement measures are implemented to minimise the risk to the victim or perpetrator. 1. To advise tenants on, and process applications under, the Council rsquo;s policies on transfers and mutual exchanges. 1. To be responsible for carrying out initial tenancy visits to new tenants rsquo; homes to ensure that they are satisfied with the service and understand the terms of their tenancy. To arrange a follow up meeting to ensure that any issues that arose are dealt with including rent and housing benefit repairs and any other tenancy issues or problems within the home. 1. To carry out regular tenancy audits, use business intelligence to detect unlawful subletting, and work with internal departments where information sharing protocols are in place to protect public asserts. 1. To effectively manage the termination of tenancies and to work with the Lettings and Voids Team so that the void turnover period is minimised. 1. Proven housing experience in the social housing sector 2. Experience of leasehold and tenancy management 3. Experience of engaging with residents through regular estate inspections 4. Experience of taking action against breach of tenancy, including removal of squatters 5. Experience of customer service; in dealing with people on the telephone and in person. 6. Experience working to deadlines Knowledge 1. Good understanding of the social housing sector 2. Up to date knowledge of legislation relevant to the social housing sector including leasehold management and current issues within the housing sector Skills and abilities 1. Good written and verbal communication skills 2. The ability to exercise good judgement. 3. Ability to provide advice to residents on services provided by Hackney Council 4. Comfortable with change, welcoming it as an opportunity to grow. 5. Flexible approach and commitment to achieving results. 6. Ability to look positively for solutions rather than obstacles. 7. Customer-focused Housing Officer Housing Officer Housing Officer Housing Officer Housing Officer