About Us

Warrington Borough Council is committed to preventing and relieving homelessness and helping residents access safe, suitable and sustainable housing. As demand for housing assistance continues to grow, we are developing innovative approaches to increase housing opportunities and improve outcomes for households experiencing housing difficulties.

We are now seeking two motivated and proactive Private Rented Sector Access Officers to join our Housing Needs Team and play a key role in expanding access to accommodation within the private rented sector. 

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop a new approach to preventing homelessness by working directly with private landlords, letting agents and accommodation providers to secure housing opportunities for residents in need. There are two posts available, one is a Fixed Term contract for an initial period of two years. There is the possibility of a further extension, subject to the continued availability of funding and the success and impact of the role. and a permanent contract.

As Private Rented Sector Access Officer, you will:

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with private landlords and letting agents.
• Identify, procure and secure suitable accommodation for households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
• Promote landlord incentive schemes and other initiatives designed to increase access to private rented accommodation.
• Undertake property visits and inspections to ensure accommodation is suitable and meets required standards.
• Support tenants and landlords to sustain successful tenancies and resolve issues before they escalate.
• Work closely with Housing Needs Officers and partner organisations to prevent and relieve homelessness.
• Contribute to the Council's statutory duties under homelessness legislation.
• Work alongside our current private rented sector access officer.

What's Needed?

We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping people secure and sustain accommodation and who has the ability to build strong working relationships across a range of stakeholders.

You should have:

• Experience in housing, homelessness, tenancy support, housing management, lettings, the private rented sector, or a related field.
• Experience working with vulnerable households or people experiencing homelessness.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with landlords, agents and partner organisations.
• Experience of securing or facilitating access to accommodation for customers in housing need.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and an understanding of the private rented sector.

Most importantly, you'll be enthusiastic, solution-focused and committed to delivering positive outcomes for residents facing housing challenges.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:

• 26 days annual holiday, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (pro-rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
• Opportunities for learning, development and professional growth
• The opportunity to make a real difference to residents at risk of homelessness

Further Information

If you are applying for the job internally, please ensure that you apply via the Careers Page on SAP.

If you are a permanent WBC employee, you will need to apply for this fixed-term position as an internal secondment opportunity and should discuss this with your current line manager before applying.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer.

Come and help us create new housing opportunities, prevent homelessness and make a lasting difference to the lives of Warrington residents.