Private Sector Settlement Officer - ARB14946

Service: Housing Services, Development & Economic Growth

Closing Date: Friday 27th September 2024

Argyll and Bute Council wishes to appoint a Private Sector Resettlement Officer within the Housing Service. This is a full-time, temporary post.

The successful candidate will support the Council to address the housing emergency and depopulation by engaging with the private sector to increase housing options to retain population, attract people to the area, and sustain private sector housing. The post will facilitate private sector engagement by offering a single point of contact to encourage, and support the sector, to increase supply and create new opportunities for households to secure and retain accommodation in the communities of their choice.

A key element of the work will be gathering vital local intelligence regarding any barriers which could lead to a strong evidence to enable public agencies, service providers and communities to proactively address these barriers and enable housing and employment opportunities. This is a pilot approach which will test the effectiveness of on-the-ground support in aiding population growth and retention, and identifying housing options within the private sector across Argyll and Bute.

It is essential that the successful candidate has:

• Minimum of 2 Highers or equivalent.
• Experience of working with a range of clients.
• Experience of carrying out research or handling data, including the ability to analyse data and write reports.
• An understanding of the local networks within the local community and how to connect into them.
• Working knowledge of private sector housing across Argyll and Bute, including housing standards, legislative requirements, how to access housing services and associated housing issues.
• It is anticipated that the post holder will be located in Argyll.
• A welcoming and non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to relate to and engage with a wide variety of people and partners from varying backgrounds and sectors.
• Good communication skills and the ability to motivate others, especially those experiencing barriers to housing.
• High level of organisational and communication skills.
• An ability to work flexibly, on own initiative, and as part of a team with colleagues, partners and the public.

It is desirable to have:

• HND or Degree in a relevant subject
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate work experience.
• Project Management and Business Development experience.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Understanding of rural lifestyles and issues.
• Driving License

Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.

Applicants should note that:-

• This is a temporary post which may be filled on a secondment basis by an employee wishing to gain experience/career development and will be at the discretion of the employee’s director.

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description you will require to speak with the recruiting manager, who is:

• Douglas Whyte, Housing Strategy Manager
• Telephone:
• Email: douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk
• Reference: ARB14946/036467

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.