Duty of Discharge Officer

Are you passionate about making a tangible impact on people's lives? Do you have a knack for understanding legislation and managing temporary accommodations effectively? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dedicated team at Slough Borough Council!

Key Responsibilities:

• Legislation Expertise: Stay updated with the latest legislation, statutes, case law, and Council policies to ensure the effective management of temporary accommodations.
• Homelessness Reduction: Apply your knowledge of homelessness legislation to reduce temporary accommodation occupancy and facilitate timely placements.
• Property Management: Oversee void properties, minimizing the use of Bed and Breakfast or hotel accommodations.
• Financial Control: Collaborate with the Income Recovery/Arrears Team to maintain financial control, maximize rental income, and advise tenants on debt counseling services.
• Tenant Support: Provide crucial advice to tenants on sustaining temporary accommodation, preventing tenancy breaches, and detecting fraud.
• Duty Discharge: Manage discharges of duty in compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act, conducting thorough assessments and legal decisions.
• Tenancy Enforcement: Address tenancy breaches, including nuisance, harassment, domestic violence, and anti-social behavior, ensuring swift and appropriate actions.
• Monitoring & Visits: Regularly visit all temporary accommodation tenancies to offer management services, identify unauthorized occupation, and ensure efficient property use.
• Special Needs Support: Provide tailored housing services to tenants with special needs, liaising with Social Services and other agencies to secure community care services.
• Safeguarding: Ensure the safeguarding of both adults and children in temporary accommodations, attending professional meetings for complex cases.
• Representation & Response: Represent the service at relevant forums, respond to inquiries, and assist the Housing Allocation Manager with MP enquiries.
• Data & Reporting: Collate, monitor data, and produce detailed reports to track and improve service delivery.
• Service Improvement: Identify potential service improvements and work with the Housing Allocations Manager to develop effective solutions.
• Health, Safety & Equality: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and promote equality and diversity policies.
• Project Work: Undertake project work and other reasonable duties as directed by the Housing Allocation Manager.

Why Join Us?

• Be a pivotal part of a team committed to improving the lives of those in temporary accommodations.
• Engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the well-being and safety of our community.
• Collaborate with various teams and agencies to provide comprehensive support to tenants.
• Develop your skills in legislation, tenancy management, and service improvement.

If you're ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role where your efforts make a real difference, apply now to become a Duty Discharge Officer with Slough Borough Council. Together, we can create a better, safer, and more supportive environment for those in need.