Housing Solutions Manager

Housing Solutions Manager

We are looking for an interim Housing Solutions Manager whilst we recruit on a permanent basis. The role is based at Elmbridge Civic Centre, Esher. The successful candidate will be expected to work full-time in the office during their induction period, before moving to hybrid working, but with the majority of time being in the office.

Purpose of Housing Solutions Manager role:

1. Lead a multi-disciplinary service currently comprising four teams and 22 people.
2. Provide 1-2-1 support and performance development for team leaders and ensuring this is cascaded effectively through their teams.
3. In collaboration with your teams, effectively manage housing performance statistics to help prevent homelessness and ensure the fair allocation of social housing.
4. Ensure that staff are trained, coached and supported to deliver high quality services.
5. Build and maintain effective working relationships with partners, colleagues and the voluntary sector.
6. Lead on the development, implementation and review of a range of housing policies and procedures.
7. Responsible for the effective monitoring and management of budgets.
8. Ensure services are legally compliant, customer focused and proactive.
9. Deputise for the Head of Housing Services.

Main Housing Solutions Manager responsibilities:

1. Support, manage and give professional advice to the 4 Team Leaders in the Homelessness Prevention and Advice Teams; Private Rented Sector and Temporary Accommodation Team; and Social and Supported Housing Team in the delivery of their day-to-day work and the provision of the Housing Solutions Service.
2. Manage the delivery of the Housing Solutions Service to comply with the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and other associated legislation and guidance.
3. Respond to councillor and MP enquiries and handle stage one complaints relevant to the service.
4. Represent the council in statutory investigations such as those led by the Coroners Court or for Serious Case Reviews involving the housing service.
5. Manage staff within Housing Solutions Service in accordance with the Council's Performance Management framework.
6. Be the council's expert on policy and practice concerning homelessness and the allocation of social housing.
7. Manage revenue budgets for the Unit around homelessness prevention and temporary accommodation.
8. Make effective use of the council's Homeless Prevention Grant and Rough Sleeper Initiative funding.
9. Ensure that trained personnel and comprehensive policies and processes are in place to enable the Housing Solutions Service to comply with the law.
10. Be the reviewing officer for initial decisions made by Team Leaders and work with Legal & Governance Services in responding to legal challenges.
11. Collaborate with the Housing Services Management Team on the development of a robust Housing, Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy for Elmbridge.

Person Housing Solutions Manager Specification (mandatory elements):

1. Qualifications and education: Educated to degree level or equivalent working experience.
2. Mandatory experience: Proven successful track record in homelessness and housing advice for a local authority.
3. Experience of managing the allocation of social housing and the operation of social housing registers.
4. Significant experience of multidisciplinary line management responsibility.

Required skills, knowledge and abilities include:

1. Detailed knowledge and experience of the Homelessness Act 2002, Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and relevant legislation.
2. Ability to lead, manage, advise and motivate others.
3. Ability to work using own initiative and assume a high level of individual responsibility.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Ability to be innovative and capable of developing new projects.
6. Proficient at using Microsoft software.
7. Committed to equal opportunities and providing customer focused services.
8. A sound understanding of budget management responsibilities.
9. Must hold a full UK driving licence.
10. Must be able to attend evening meetings.

Rate of pay is £36.49ph. Full brief on request.