Temporary until March 31st 2027 (to cover a secondment)
About Our Service
The First Point of Contact Team sits at the frontline of Neath Port Talbot’s homelessness response within the (HAPSS) Homelessness Assessment Prevention Support Service. Our role is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to support people to secure safe, suitable and sustainable accommodation.
A key part of our work is supporting households who are unable to access social housing and who therefore rely on private rented sector solutions. The Private Sector Officer plays a vital role in this work, helping to build and maintain positive relationships with local landlords and letting agents, and widening housing options for some of our most vulnerable residents.
The First Point of Contact Team is a supportive, experienced and collaborative team. We work closely with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to find practical solutions to real housing need. The work is fast‑paced, varied and rewarding, and you will be trusted to use your initiative while being supported through regular supervision and team working.
You can see the impact of your work straight away. When a tenancy is secured that wouldn’t have happened without negotiation and persistence, it’s incredibly rewarding.
If you are looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference and enjoy building positive working relationships, this is a team you would enjoy being part of.
Responsibilities
As a Private Sector Officer, you will be responsible for sourcing suitable private sector accommodation for applicants being dealt with by (HAPSS) Homeless Assessment Prevention Support Service teams.
You will work closely with HAPSS Officers to support prevention and liaise directly with private landlords and letting agents to explore accommodation opportunities and negotiate on practical barriers such as upfront costs and affordability.
Your daily routine will
* Sourcing private rented accommodation for HAPSS applicants
* Liaising with and building relationships with private landlords and letting agents
* Negotiating around upfront fees, rent levels and tenancy terms where appropriate
* Supporting HAPSS Officers to assess affordability of potential accommodation
* Providing information and guidance to landlords about working with the Council
* Maintaining accurate records of accommodation options and landlord engagement
About You
Do you have
* Experience of working in a housing, homelessness or related frontline service, or the skills and ability to transfer relevant experience into this role
* The confidence and communication skills to liaise with and negotiate effectively with private landlords and letting agents
* An understanding of affordability, budgeting and financial assessment, or the ability to support officers in assessing whether accommodation is sustainable
* The ability to work independently and proactively, while also contributing positively as part of a wider team
* Strong organisation and record‑keeping skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
* A non‑judgemental, solution‑focused approach, with a commitment to good practice, confidentiality and working within policy and procedure
You will also hold a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade A–C (or equivalent).
About us
We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.
Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.
* Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
* Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
* Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
* Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
* Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
* Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
* Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.
If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.
For more information and to apply please visit https://www.npt.gov.uk/job
DBS requirements: Enhanced DBS check (Adult and Child barred list).
Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.
The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
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