Head of Housing Needs

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for a Head of Housing Needs on a two months contract with the possibility of an extension.

Role purpose:

Leadership and management of a complex, demand-led multidisciplinary Homeless Prevention and Housing Allocations Service delivering creative and innovative solutions to resolve housing issues for our residents. The post holder will be our client’s leading expert on homelessness and housing legislation, policy and procedures across a range of service areas to support joined up service delivery. The post holder will be responsible for recommending the commissioning of accommodation and other related services that carries significant budget responsibilities and will be required to ensure the best use of public funds are made for local residents to ensure service risks are effectively managed. The post-holder will lead on cross-cutting projects to drive service improvement.

Key responsibilities:

• To be responsible for the selection, development and performance of the Homeless Prevention and Housing Allocations team in line with the client’s HR policies
• To ensure all team members receive the appropriate level of communication to maintain engagement with the client’s vision, priorities and activities.
• To establish, lead and directly manage cross-cutting project teams in the client to deliver corporate priorities.
• Advise and support senior managers and Cabinet Members with regard to understanding and implementing new legislation, policy guidance and strategies.
• Use statistical evidence for the management of individual and team performance and identify development and training needs.
• Motivate teams to develop ideas that improve business performance, establish best practice and control costs.
• Proactively seek feedback on services provided and use this information to review and improve service provision.
• To establish effective and positive working relationships with government, London, regional and national forums, regulatory bodies and local partnerships.
• Be the expert lead and source of advice on homelessness and housing legislation, policy and procedures. Keep up to date with changing policy and legislation and provide briefings on changes as required.
• Ensure that statutory requirements are met for homelessness and housing services at all times, including appeals, reviews, complex case law, Housing Register, MARAC, MAPPA etc…
• Be responsible for ensuring statutory assessments (e.g. Homelessness review and strategy) are undertaken in line with legal requirements based on sound needs analysis.
• Contribute to Housing Strategy and other plans to support continuous improvement and to inform commissioning plans. Ensure a Lettings Plan is in place, agreed with members and regularly reviewed.
• Be responsible for leading and / or contributing to high profile strategic plans.
• Contribute to a range of interagency, regional and national strategic forums and review service delivery approaches and practice to effectively meet needs as defined above.

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a business related subject, or equivalent by experience.
• A management qualification e.g. ILM, or equivalent experience.
• Chartered Institute of Housing professional qualification
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Significant experience of leading and managing a complex, fast-paced frontline housing service including homelessness or housing allocations.
• Significant experience in preparation, management and control of large complex budgets.
• Significant experience in developing and implementing effective commissioning plans to reduce levels of homelessness.
• Leading the delivery of complex, cross-cutting service improvement plans and business strategies to improve services, including business performance and risk management plans
• Analysing and interpreting complex, disparate datasets providing valuable organisational intelligence to drive improvement
• Successfully leading multiple, complex projects involving a range of partners, including senior managers.
• Successfully engaging with stakeholders from a range of disciplines and service users in developing services and/or service strategies and plans
• In depth and up to-date knowledge and understanding of local and national strategy and legislation in relation to housing

If this sounds good to you, please contact Anisha!