Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer, Achieving FOR Children

Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer

Fixed‑term role for 24 months. The role supports care leavers in transitioning from care to settled, appropriate accommodation in Kingston and Richmond.

• Build and maintain links with private sector landlords and letting agents locally and regionally; develop and maintain comprehensive databases for them.
• Work in partnership with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and the Housing & Benefits Officer to expand care leavers’ access to the private rented sector, prevent homelessness and secure safe, stable accommodation.
• Support care leavers with activities such as securing tenancies, negotiating, and resolving tenancy issues, utilising tools like the Corporate Rent Guarantor Scheme.
• Act as an ambassador to promote the service and provide training for staff, young people, and their networks on private sector renting.
• Collaborate with Local Authority Housing Procurement Teams to coordinate work with landlords and wider efforts.

• Degree level education in a relevant discipline and/or a professional qualification or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of Private Sector Housing legislation and local authority Housing Policy.
• Knowledge of statutory legislation and safeguarding duties; explicitly the Children Act 1989 and the Leaving Care Act 2000.
• Experience in the Private housing sector, voluntary sector housing, or a local authority Housing Department.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and networking skills.
• Ability to develop marketing strategies and tools effectively.
• Experience building partnerships and co‑producing solutions across diverse stakeholders, including senior managers and external clients.
• Experience delivering skills workshops and producing materials to support young people in identifying and maintaining accommodation.

• 29 days annual leave (increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years, plus an additional day off in your birthday month); term‑time workers receive leave in line with contract non‑working periods.
• Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start.
• Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
• Flexible working options and hybrid work model.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
• Range of staff benefits and discounts.
• Excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.

Start dates are set; candidates should prepare so continuous service is not affected.

Right to work:
Check the  website for right to work guidance under the new points‑based immigration system.

Equality:
We welcome applications from all underrepresented communities and are a Disability Confident employer. We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and diversity.

Safeguarding:
All staff are expected to share our commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; appointment requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please complete your application promptly to avoid disappointment.