Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer

The Accommodation Procurement and Development Officer is a new role responsible for utilising housing knowledge, experience, and negotiation skills to establish and develop access to private rented sector accommodation for care leaversThe core functions of the role, which is based in Kingston and Richmond, include:Procurement and Support: Supporting young people transitioning from care to settled, safe, and stable private accommodation in adherence to statutory guidelines, thereby preventing homelessness. This includes directly supporting care leavers in settling into tenancies and utilizing tools like the Corporate Rent Guarantor Scheme.Partnership and Development: Working in partnership with Leaving Care Personal Advisers and the Housing & Benefits Officer to expand care leavers’ understanding of and access to the private rented sector.Landlord Engagement: Building and maintaining local and regional links with private sector landlords and letting agents, and developing and maintaining comprehensive databases for them. The role also supports young people with securing tenancies, negotiations, and resolving tenancy issues.Ambassador and Trainer: Acting as an ambassador to promote young people and the service, and providing training on private sector renting to staff, young people, and their networks.