About Company
Portsmouth City Council is dedicated to serving the vibrant community of Portsmouth, a dynamic island city rich in maritime history and a thriving modern hub. We are a major employer in the region, committed to delivering high-quality public services that improve the lives of our residents. Our Housing Department plays a crucial role in providing safe, affordable, and well-managed housing options, supporting sustainable communities, and addressing the diverse needs of our tenants. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected, working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals. Joining us means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation focused on positive community impact and offering extensive opportunities for professional development and career growth within a supportive local government framework.
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Job Description
Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives and ensuring safe, stable homes for our community? Portsmouth City Council is seeking a dedicated and proactive Housing Officer to join our dynamic Housing Services team. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of tenancy management, working directly with residents across Portsmouth to provide support, address concerns, and enforce tenancy agreements. This is more than just a desk job; it’s an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of individuals, families, and community groups, offering practical advice and connecting them with essential services. You will manage a varied caseload, from routine tenancy enquiries to complex issues such as anti-social behaviour and rent arrears, always with an empathetic and professional approach. We are looking for someone who thrives in a challenging yet rewarding environment, possesses excellent communication skills, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of customer service and housing management. If you are an organised, resilient, and compassionate individual eager to contribute to the well-being of Portsmouth’s residents, we encourage you to apply and help us build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse caseload of council tenancies, ensuring compliance with tenancy agreements and housing policies.
- Conduct regular property inspections and tenancy visits to monitor property conditions and address any issues proactively.
- Investigate and resolve complaints of anti-social behaviour, implementing appropriate interventions and liaising with external agencies where necessary.
- Proactively manage rent arrears, providing comprehensive advice and support to tenants, setting up sustainable payment plans, and initiating legal action when required.
- Provide expert advice and assistance to tenants on housing options, welfare benefits, and access to community services.
- Process tenancy sign-ups, transfers, and terminations, ensuring all administrative tasks are completed accurately and efficiently in line with regulations.
- Represent the Council at court hearings and other legal proceedings related to housing matters, preparing necessary documentation.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments (e.g., repairs, social services) and external partners (e.g., police, support charities) to deliver integrated services and support to residents.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date tenancy records using housing management software and generate reports as required for performance monitoring.
- Participate in out-of-hours on-call rotas if required (subject to specific team requirements and rota schedule).
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in housing management or a related customer-facing role within social housing.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and effectively negotiate with diverse individuals.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities, particularly in sensitive situations.
- Sound knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy law, and welfare benefits system in the UK.
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload, prioritise tasks effectively, and work autonomously under pressure.
- Proficiency in using IT systems, including Microsoft Office suite and housing management software (e.g., Northgate, Civica).
- A full UK driving license and access to a vehicle for business use, as the role requires travel across the city.
Preferred Qualifications
- A relevant qualification in Housing (e.g., CIH Level 3 or 4 Diploma or equivalent).
- Experience dealing with complex anti-social behaviour cases and managing legal processes related to tenancy enforcement.
- Knowledge of local community resources and support networks specifically within Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire area.
- Experience in safeguarding adults and children.
Perks & Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with length of service.
- Access to the highly regarded Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with employer contributions.
- Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance (subject to operational needs).
- Comprehensive training and continuous professional development opportunities for career progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential advice and support for health and wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work scheme and other staff discount programmes on a range of local and national services.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment committed to diversity and equality.
How to Apply
To apply for this rewarding position, please click on the application link below. You will be directed to the Portsmouth City Council careers portal where you can find this vacancy and submit your online application, including your CV and a comprehensive cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. Please ensure your application highlights how your skills and experience meet the requirements outlined in the job description and responsibilities. We look forward to receiving your application!
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