Job Description

About Aspire

Aspire is a multi-award-winning employment and housing charity

We empower people facing homelessness, poverty and disadvantage to find fulfilling employment and secure housing. In 2023-24, we responded to over 1,700 support referrals for people across our projects and programmes throughout Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley.

To find out more, visit www.aspireoxfordshire.org.

PRS ENGAGEMENT OFFICER - AFEO

Purpose of the role

Aspire are driven to change the perception of communities who experience marginalisation. Our AFEO project offers clear opportunities for this integration and opportunity maximisation.

We're seeking a dynamic and solution-oriented individual to drive forward our ambition of unlocking new opportunities in the private rented sector (PRS). Your role will be pivotal--empowering individuals to build the confidence, skills, and determination needed to secure and sustain their own tenancies. You will actively champion our residents to landlords and letting agents, opening doors to lasting independence and meaningful, long-term progress.

Key tasks

Key tasks are intended to be a guide to the range and level of work expected of the job holder. This is not an exhaustive list of all tasks and employees will be expected to carry out such other reasonable duties which may be required from time to time.

Building Strong Landlord Relationships Establish trust through clear communication and reliability. Maintain regular engagement to understand landlord needs and concerns. Engaging with Letting Agents Foster partnerships with reputable agencies to expand property access. Ensure agents understand support available for tenants transitioning from supported accommodation. Preparing Tenants for Independent Living Provide guidance on budgeting, rental agreements, and tenant responsibilities. Support individuals in presenting themselves to letting agents, landlords and at viewings. Offer tenancy sustainment training to improve long-term stability. Reviewing, implementing and updating individual move on plans Embed risk-informed, trauma-aware practices throughout the move-on process--ensuring assessments are strengths-based, proactive, and promote sustained independence. Foster person-centred partnerships that respect individual readiness, while mitigating tenancy risks through tailored support and landlord collaboration. Securing Financial Assistance Explore funding options such as grants, deposits, and rental schemes to reduce upfront costs. Assist tenants in navigating financial eligibility for housing support. Strengthening Rental Reputation Showcase success stories of stable, responsible tenants to encourage future landlord participation. Maintain a positive reputation through successful tenancy transitions. Understanding Local Rental Markets Stay informed on pricing trends, availability, and landlord preferences. Provide realistic guidance to tenants based on current market conditions. Encouraging Shared Housing Options Promote co-living arrangements to make rent more accessible and manageable. Support tenants in finding compatible housemates to ensure stability. Facilitating References & Guarantors Assist tenants in obtaining references from previous housing placements. Explore guarantor options to strengthen rental applications.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANT

Please provide a CV and letter of application, demonstrating clearly and concisely how you meet each of the criteria below to give you the best possible chance of being shortlisted for interview.? Please give specific examples wherever possible.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:

Proven track record of engaging landlords and letting agents to secure tenancies Experience in tenancy sustainment, budgeting support, or housing rights advocacy and promoting disempowered individuals Knowledge of barriers faced by ex-offenders and/or those transitioning from supported accommodation. Familiarity with local rental market trends, pricing, and landlord expectations Knowledge of housing benefit eligibility, deposit schemes, and financial support options

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

Experience in developing and implementing person-centred move-on plans Experience navigating local authority or charitable funding schemes for housing Experience in promoting shared housing arrangements or co-living models Experience within a criminal justice setting - understanding of the transition from institution to community.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Confident written and verbal communication skills Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with landlords, agents, and tenants Strong organisational skills to manage multiple move-on plans and housing leads Ability to advocate for tenants and present them positively to prospective landlords Ability to provide practical guidance on tenancy responsibilities and budgeting Competence in preparing references, exploring guarantor options, and supporting applications Person-centred and strengths-based approach to support Resilient, proactive, and solution-focused mindset Collaborative and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous improvement Empathetic and respectful of individual readiness and autonomy

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Willingness to take part in an on-call rota to provide emergency phone support outside of usual working hours. (after 3 month mid-term probation review)

Please email your CV and covering letter to Barry Bell at recruitment@aspireoxford.co.uk

Closing Date: 18 September 2025

Please use your covering letter to demonstrate how your skills, qualities and experience meet each of our requirements listed in the Person Specification and how they have helped you achieve relevant, positive results, as this will give you the best possible chance of being shortlisted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 29,966.00-36,189.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Casual dress Cycle to work scheme Store discount
Experience:

Landlord Engagement: 3 years (required)
Location:

Oxford OX1 1NJ (required)
Work Location: In person