Homelessness is high on the national agenda and we are offering an exciting opportunity to join our Housing Needs and Standards team as a Specialist Advisor.

As a Specialist Advisor Private Rented Liaison within our Housing Needs team, you will be a technical expert providing specialist advice on landlord tenant law, homeless applications and decisions.  You will be responsible for coordinating our Landlord Rewards scheme, working with landlords to maximise access to assure shorthold tenancies through creative use of rent incentive payments, building working relationships with landlords and estate agents, supporting with property management, sign ups, tenancy sustainment and temporary accommodation placements, and helping caseworkers to resolve cases of varying complexity, providing specialist advice and support and engaging with a range of different stakeholders, including MPs, Councillors and senior colleagues. You will also be working closely with managers, suggesting ways in which housing and customer services could be improved across a number of different work streams. 

It is an exciting time to join the team. You will have the opportunity to take part in a number of new projects and initiatives, such as the nationally recognised Rough Sleeper Initiative and our newly launched Trainee Caseworker Programme, giving you the opportunity to develop your coaching and mentoring skills by working closely with a number of apprentices.

Housing Needs and Standards has enhanced its commitment to personal development. You will be able to access a number of different training opportunities, including up to 19 days of training through the London Training Academy and Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils mentoring programme. 

To be successful you will be a good communicator and able to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will also need an eye for detail, have good investigation, critical thinking and decision making skills and be able to adapt and manage a high fluctuating workload.

Knowledge and experience in Housing Needs and Homelessness are essential, as is a thorough working knowledge of the relevant Acts.

Working for Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council:

Because we work across two councils our area is unique in its mix of environments, including the larger urban area of Eastbourne, the historic county town of Lewes, small towns and villages in and around the National Park and a large area of coastal strip. The work is varied and challenging.

As an employee of Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough councils, you will have access to a number of benefits. This includes:

• Transport discounts, including a 15% discount on some Southern Rail Journeys and a 10% discount at Halfords on bikes, cycling accessories, servicing and parts
• Minimum annual leave entitlement of 25 days increasing to 29 days after completing five years’ service
• A flexible working environment, allowing you to work remotely and flexibly – helping you achieve a better work/life balance
• Discounted use of gyms and sports centres

Although the Housing Needs and Standards team work predominantly from the Eastbourne office, you will be required to work from our Lewes, Eastbourne and Newhaven offices, subject to the needs of the service.

For further information about the role and details on how to apply, please click on the APPLY button.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Noon on 06 December 2021.