Use your experience in supporting people, homelessness, and housing-related issues to make a real difference as a Temporary Accommodation Officer at SettleParadigm. This is a 6-month fixed-term contract, working across the North Hertfordshire area.
Are you looking to join a growing, values-led organisation with a clear social purpose?
At SettleParadigm, we’re proud to be the largest housing group in the region, managing over 27,000 homes across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire.
Everything we do is about delivering excellent services, high quality homes, neighbourhoods we can be proud of and maximising number of new affordable homes we build. Through our merger we’ve brought together shared values, skills and ambition, so we can build more affordable homes and make an even bigger difference in the communities we serve
If you're ready to grow your career in a supportive, inclusive environment while helping to shape stronger communities, we’d love to welcome you on our journey. Together, we’re building a better future.
SettleParadigm works in partnership to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people. You will be responsible for the effective day to day management of the accommodation, the allocation of voids and rent and arrears collection, whilst offering a high standard of client centred support for the residents working towards a positive move on into permanent accommodation and providing resettlement support where necessary for up to two years.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work closely with new and existing residents, offering person –centred counselling and support
- Monitor and progress weekly charges and arrears, liaising closely with the housing benefit verification officer at NHC.
- Work within the housing related support framework to carry out and maintain needs and risk assessments and agree support plans with clients focussed on positive outcomes and contract performance measures.
- Investigate apparent breaches of licence and tenancy conditions and where appropriate issue warnings, notices and recharges, in line with procedures
- Contribute to the preparation and compilation of monthly/quarterly PIs and monitoring statistics and necessary records for housing related support purposes.
- Monitor and progress terminations and voids
- Take possession proceedings in The County Court for rent arrears or nuisance
- Work with colleagues and Partners to ensure successful resettlement and a positive take up of a permanent general needs tenancy
- Work with clients referred by NHC under the Councils Homeless Prevention Initiative and Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
- Monitor and maintain the safety and security of the various temporary accommodation premises in accordance with procedures, health and safety standards
- Work closely with the caretaker/handyman to monitor all repairs and damage and to ensure that the premises, and equipment are maintained appliances serviced in accordance with procedures and regulations
What We’re Looking For
Must haves:
- Knowledge of supporting people, homelessness and general housing issues, able to relate to peoples living conditions and empathy with the client group.
- Knowledge of Assured Short Hold Tenancies and Licences, familiarity with support plans and risk assessments and housing related support framework.
- Ability to administer Arrears Recovery process, knowledge of rent accounts and housing benefits.
- A good communicator
- experience of dealing with clients in difficult and stressful situations
- Experience of dealing with unacceptable behaviour and enforce tenancy conditions.
- Represent settle at Court and external meetings
- Create good working relationships with Partner agencies to provide support and assistance to client group
- Demonstrate good IT skills
For added brilliance:
- You’ll be passionate not just about supporting homeless
Benefits
At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.
- annual salary: £37,401.40 per annum
- 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
- Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
- Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
- Life cover and income protection
- Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging
And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:
- 30+ qualified Mental Health First Aiders available to support
- Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
- Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
- 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
- Peer-recognition rewards platform
- Paid professional subscription (one per year)
Our Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.
Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.
Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.
Closing Date: 7th November
