Description
Private Rented Sector Officer (PRSO) — London Local Authority (Temporary) Make a tangible difference for households at a critical point in their housing journey. This role sits at the heart of a busy homelessness service, helping to secure safe, suitable and affordable homes through Private Rented Sector Offers (PRSOs) and ensuring decisions are robust, timely and legally compliant.
Overview We’re recruiting a Private Rented Sector Officer to manage a caseload of households owed the full housing duty and progress cases through assessment, decision-making and formal offer stages. You’ll apply up-to-date homelessness legislation and guidance, working closely with internal teams and external partners to deliver outcomes—often in complex, high-scrutiny cases.
- Contract: Temporary, 3 months (potential extension)
- Hours: 40 hours/week, on-site
- Start: ASAP
- Pay: £23.81 PAYE / £31.35 Umbrella (per hour)
Key Responsibilities
- Assess households owed the full housing duty and determine suitable accommodation needs.
- Complete income/expenditure and affordability assessments to support PRSO matching and discharge of duty.
- Make PRSOs under relevant homelessness legislation and guidance to end statutory duty where appropriate.
- Draft and issue statutory decision letters (including S184/S193) and notifications to other authorities where applicable.
- Liaise with solicitors/representatives; prepare case summaries for legal services and provide evidence in court where required.
- Maintain accurate case records and management information; prioritise deadlines and progress cases systematically.
- Build effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners (including landlords and agents).
- Respond to enquiries and complaints (including escalations) in line with policy and procedure.
Must-Have Requirements
- Degree-qualified (or equivalent) with strong literacy and numeracy.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Housing Act 1996 (Parts 6 & 7) and related legislation/case law, including the Localism Act 2011 and PRSO discharge.
- Customer service experience in a busy frontline environment, including supporting vulnerable customers.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload, interpret information, and communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
Nice-to-Have
- Ability to undertake visits in and out of borough (public transport may be used; access to personal transport is desirable).
Apply today to help deliver fair, lawful and person-centred housing outcomes.