Job Title: Bookings & Emergency Accommodation Officer
Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role:
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking a dedicated and diligent Bookings & Emergency Accommodation Officer to join its Housing Options Service. This is a pivotal role in supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents by assessing accommodation needs and arranging emergency, self-contained, and permanent housing in accordance with statutory requirements and council policies.
Key Responsibilities:
Arrange and manage bookings into temporary and emergency accommodation.
Oversee a caseload of clients in Bed & Breakfast accommodation, ensuring efficient communication and follow-up with homelessness assessment officers.
Conduct regular inspections of designated hotels and ensure compliance with service standards.
Monitor adherence to licence conditions, ensuring tenants meet their obligations, particularly regarding rent.
Support the transition of clients into self-contained accommodation, ensuring all necessary arrangements and documentation are completed.
Liaise with various internal and external stakeholders, including social workers, GPs, landlords, and housing benefits officers.
Proactively manage rent accounts and minimise arrears through prompt action and effective engagement.
Respond to incidents or concerns including racial harassment, domestic abuse, and safeguarding issues in accordance with council procedures.
Essential Requirements:
Proven experience of advising clients in a housing or comparable setting.
In-depth understanding of homelessness legislation and local authority responsibilities.
Knowledge of landlord and tenant law, welfare benefits, and the Children Act.
Experience managing rent accounts and enforcing licence conditions.
Strong IT skills including database and workflow management.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
Commitment to the Council's TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, and Respect.
Additional Requirements:
Flexibility to attend site visits and work occasionally up to 7pm as required.
