TA Visiting Officer

Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer
Slough Borough Council, Housing Services – TA & Housing Allocations.
Job Description
Role Purpose
The Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer will ensure that households placed in temporary accommodation (TA) by Slough Borough Council are living in accommodation that is safe, suitable, and meets statutory standards. The role includes carrying out regular visits and suitability assessments, preventing and detecting fraud, and working with households and providers to improve accommodation standards. The post-holder must understand the impact of living in temporary accommodation, including bed and breakfast accommodation, on individuals and families.
Key Responsibilities
Suitability and Property Assessments
- Conduct regular visits to temporary accommodation, including bed and breakfast and nightly paid accommodation.
- Complete suitability assessments in line with legislation and council policy.
- Identify health and safety risks, overcrowding, disrepair, or poor management and escalate concerns.
- Ensure accommodation meets required standards and take action where it does not.
Resident Engagement and Support
- Engage sensitively with households in temporary accommodation.
- Demonstrate understanding of the impact of temporary accommodation on wellbeing, mental health, family life, and children’s education.
- Identify safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals.
Fraud Prevention and Detection
- Verify occupancy and household composition during visits.
- Prevent, identify, and report potential housing-related fraud.
- Work with internal teams to protect public funds.
Monitoring and Partnership Working
- Maintain accurate records and reports.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and accommodation providers.
- Contribute to service improvement and reduction of bed and breakfast use.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths, or relevant experience.

Desirable:
- Housing-related qualification (e.g. CIH).
- Training in safeguarding, fraud awareness, or health and safety.
Knowledge
Essential:
- Knowledge of homelessness legislation – Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act, and temporary accommodation suitability.
-Knowledge of Welfare Benefits
- Understanding of the impact of living in temporary accommodation, including bed and breakfast.
- Awareness of housing standards, safeguarding, and fraud prevention.

Desirable:
- Local authority housing functions.
Experience
Essential:
- Experience working in housing, homelessness, or a related field.
- Experience visiting properties and service users.
- Experience dealing with vulnerable people.
– Good written and communication skills

Desirable:
- Local authority experience.
- Experience of suitability assessments or fraud investigation.
Skills and Attributes
Essential:
- Strong communication and assessment skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage workload.
- High levels of professionalism, integrity, and empathy.
Additional Requirements
Essential:
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Access to a suitably insured vehicle to undertake visits, including out-of-borough placements.
- Ability to travel independently across Slough and surrounding areas.

Job Advert for Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer.
(ECP202510085 – not to go on the advert).
Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer
Location: Slough & surrounding areas
Contract: 3-month initial assignment
Pay: £31 per hour
Start Date: Immediate
About the Role
Join Slough Borough Council as a Temporary Accommodation Visiting Officer. You’ll ensure households in temporary accommodation are safe and supported by conducting property visits, assessing suitability, and engaging with residents.
Key Requirements
· Experience in housing or homelessness services.
· Strong communication and assessment skills.
· Full, clean UK driving licence and access to an insured vehicle for visits.
Benefits
· Competitive hourly rate of £31.
· Flexible working across Slough and surrounding areas.
· Opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable households.
· Supportive team environment and collaborative working.
Apply now to help improve housing standards and support those in need!

Hybrid working, '3 days office and working off site and 2 days working from home.' Must have clean driving licence and access to vehicle to enable visits to be conducted across the borough.