Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer
Fixed‑term role for 24 months. The role supports care leavers in transitioning from care to settled, appropriate accommodation in Kingston and Richmond.
About The Role
* Build and maintain links with private sector landlords and letting agents locally and regionally; develop and maintain comprehensive databases for them.
* Work in partnership with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and the Housing & Benefits Officer to expand care leavers’ access to the private rented sector, prevent homelessness and secure safe, stable accommodation.
* Support care leavers with activities such as securing tenancies, negotiating, and resolving tenancy issues, utilising tools like the Corporate Rent Guarantor Scheme.
* Act as an ambassador to promote the service and provide training for staff, young people, and their networks on private sector renting.
* Collaborate with Local Authority Housing Procurement Teams to coordinate work with landlords and wider efforts.
About You
* Degree level education in a relevant discipline and/or a professional qualification or equivalent experience.
* Working knowledge of Private Sector Housing legislation and local authority Housing Policy.
* Knowledge of statutory legislation and safeguarding duties; explicitly the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000.
* Experience in the Private housing sector, voluntary sector housing, or a local authority Housing Department.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and networking skills.
* Ability to develop marketing strategies and tools effectively.
* Experience building partnerships and co‑producing solutions across diverse stakeholders, including senior managers and external clients.
* Experience delivering skills workshops and producing materials to support young people in identifying and maintaining accommodation.
Benefits
* 29 days annual leave (increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years, plus an additional day off in your birthday month); term‑time workers receive leave in line with contract non‑working periods.
* Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start.
* Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
* Flexible working options and hybrid work model.
* Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
* Range of staff benefits and discounts.
* Excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Important Information
Start dates are set; candidates should prepare so continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: Check the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance under the new points‑based immigration system.
Equality: We welcome applications from all underrepresented communities and are a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and diversity.
Safeguarding: All staff are expected to share our commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; appointment requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please complete your application promptly to avoid disappointment.
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