Description
Private Rented Sector Enabling Officer
Maidenhead | Hybrid working | 3-month contract | £18.17–£20.16 PAYE per hour
We are looking for an experienced Private Rented Sector Enabling Officer to join a busy local authority housing service on an initial three-month contract.
This is a practical, delivery-focused role supporting households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure sustainable accommodation in the private rented sector. You will work closely with landlords, letting agents, housing providers and internal housing colleagues to source suitable homes and reduce the need for temporary accommodation.
The successful candidate will bring strong private rented sector or Housing Options experience and be comfortable managing a varied caseload from referral through to a sustainable housing outcome. You will need to build productive relationships quickly, negotiate confidently with landlords and agents, and provide clear support and advice to households facing difficult circumstances.
Main responsibilities will include:
- Managing a caseload of households requiring accommodation in the private rented sector
- Sourcing suitable private rented properties for households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness
- Supporting and advising applicants to achieve sustainable housing outcomes
- Developing and maintaining relationships with private landlords, letting agents, providers and other housing partners
- Negotiating with landlords and agents to secure appropriate lettings
- Undertaking property visits and affordability assessments
- Working closely with colleagues across the housing service to place applicants
- Making effective use of available incentives and practical tools to encourage landlord participation
- Maintaining a good understanding of the local private rented market
- Contributing to the development of housing policies and strategies
- Supporting work to prevent homelessness and reduce the use of temporary accommodation
You will need around three to five years’ experience within the private rented sector or Housing Options, including direct experience of working with landlords and letting agents. A good understanding of housing legislation, homelessness duties and the wider social housing environment is essential.
The role requires someone who can work effectively under pressure, make sound independent decisions and prioritise a changing workload. Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills are particularly important, as you will be dealing with landlords, agents, partner organisations and customers who may be experiencing challenging circumstances.
A good general standard of education is required. A relevant housing qualification or membership of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Housing would be desirable. Previous experience of delivering operational services within a local authority, registered provider, housing consultancy, government agency, charitable organisation or private landlord setting would also be valuable.
This is a hybrid position based in Maidenhead, with approximately three office days and two home-working days each week. Travel across Windsor and Maidenhead will be required for meetings, property visits and inspections. Some evening attendance may occasionally be necessary. Working hours are flexible and typically fall around 9am–5pm.
A basic DBS check is required for this role.
If you are an experienced private rented sector or Housing Options professional who can build landlord relationships, manage a busy caseload and hit the ground running, we would be pleased to hear from you.