Discharge Duty Officer

Slough Borough Council - Discharge Duty Officer

Are you a Discharge Duty Officer looking for your next contract role? Slough Borough Council are currently looking for a Discharge Duty Officer to join their team on a contract basis! If this is of interest, reach out to myself on 0207 419 8901 - , keen to share all the details on this brilliant role.

Main purpose of Job:

To undertake the proper lettings of temporary accommodation to those who have approached the Council for housing advice and assistance and have been deemed we owe a duty to in accordance with the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. To properly and legally work to discharge any duty held where this is required, and placement termination is necessary. To manage discharges of duty within specific cases and be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments and legal decisions that can withstand legal scrutiny and are successful at the review stage or in court.

Main Accountabilities:

1. To maintain a working knowledge of legislation and subsequent or relevant statutes, case law and Council policy relating to the management and provision of temporary accommodation.


2. To maintain a working knowledge of homelessness legislation to work to reduce temporary accommodation occupancy where termination of placement is required.


3. To ensure void properties are properly managed and to minimise the use of Bed and Breakfast/Hotel Accommodation.


4. In conjunction with the Income Recovery/Arrears Team and the Temporary Accommodation Finance Officer, to ensure proper financial control and the timely discharge of the Council's liabilities. To ensure that the team maximises rental income, taking appropriate legal action where necessary.


5. To ensure relevant advice is provided to tenants on sustaining temporary accommodation in respect of non-breach of tenancy for any reason and to prevent and detect fraud.


6. To manage discharges of duty within specific cases in compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act and conduct comprehensive assessments, including affordability and suitability, and legal decisions that can withstand legal scrutiny.


7. To address breaches of tenancy conditions including nuisance, racial or sexual harassment, domestic abuse, or threats to the well-being and safety of occupants and all forms of anti-social behaviour. To ensure appropriate management action against perpetrators, including immediate eviction and lock changes and any discharge of duty as instructed by Senior Managers.


8. To monitor and regularly visit all temporary accommodation tenancies to provide a tenancy management service including identifying unauthorised occupation, and take action promptly to ensure efficient use of properties and prevent consequential financial losses. To ensure that all visits are in line with the Council's procedures in relation to officer safety.


9. To provide a housing service to all temporary accommodation tenants with a special need in respect of physical or mental health, age or other circumstances where support is needed, and to liaise with Social Services and other support agencies to secure the delivery of community care services as appropriate, making referrals where necessary. To ensure safeguarding for both adults and children in TA and to attend or arrange necessary professional meetings in relation to complex cases.


10. To represent the service at relevant forums and meetings on temporary accommodation issues as required. To respond to customer, Councillor and third-party enquiries whilst strictly adhering to GDPR guidelines with clarity and empathy. To assist the Housing Allocation Manager in the response to MP enquiries.


11. To collate and monitor data and produce reports and detailed documents as required.


12. Ensure compliance with, and promotion of Slough's Health and Safety management and equality and diversity policies.


13. Undertake project work as directed by the Housing Allocation Manager and carry out any other reasonable duties as are commensurate with the post.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.