Do you have a housing or welfare advice background, are you  experienced in working one-to one with clients, adept at organisation and managing a high workload. If you are a good team player, confident in Microsoft packages, resourceful, reliable and willing to learn and take on additional responsibilities then this role could be ideal for you. 

Job Purpose: 

To assist in the day-to-day running of NextStep, a private rented housing project within the Housing department at YMCA East Surrey. The post holder will procure and build relationships, providing advice and support to both landlords and families in housing need, to achieve long-term solutions to homelessness through the private rented sector.  NextStep works with househoulds at risk of homelessness referred by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.  

Main Responsibilities:  

u  To assess the needs of applicants to the scheme and provide quality housing advice

u  To establish options and support applicants in accessing and maintaining private rented accommodation providing help with relevant housing and benefit forms

u  To provide resettlement support to both tenants and landlords who take out tenancies through NextStep both from the NextStep office and at tenants homes

u  To develop and maintain a good working knowledge of current welfare benefits

u  Develop new relationships with landlords through procurement of private rented accommodation, promoting the scheme to landlords, letting agents and householders whilst continuing to build on relationships with current landlords

u  To carry out assessments of accommodation with consideration to requirements as detailed in the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) so as to ensure safety of clients, and to maintain ongoing contact with landlord or householder

u  To assist with establishing new tenancies, ensuring legal documentation is in place and helping with landlord and tenancy related paperwork including photographic inventories

u  To ensure that landlords understand their rights and responsibilities and promote good landlord practice

u  To develop and maintain professional relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies and the wider community in relation to service delivery and local need

u  To conduct property viewings on behalf of a landlord and support visits as needed throughout the tenancy

u  Any other duties are required to be performed within the grade and remuneration of the role

u  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults. This role will require an enhanced DBS disclosure (with barred children/vulnerable adults).  We require you to understand and demonstrate this commitment and attend any required training  

Hous of Work:  18 hours per week, days to be agreed

Annual Leave: Starting allowance - 25 days plus Bank Holidays.  

Benefits:

Free Gym Membership: The post holder will be entitled to free use of the YMCA East Surrey fitness centre in Redhill and half price YMCA childcare for dependents.

Free Parking : There is free parking available  at all our delivery site. YMCA East Surrey also operates a Bike to Work Scheme.

Pension Scheme: There is a YMCA East Surrey pension scheme - details available on request.

Closing Date and Interviews:

Close Date:  15th January 2025 at 9am / Interviews to be held 21st January 2025 at Hillbrook House, 68 Brighton Road, Redhill , RH1 3QT