3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer is responsible for delivering proactive housing advice and support to individuals and households at risk of homelessness.
• The role includes managing a caseload focused on preventing homelessness, identifying housing solutions, and working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners to deliver sustainable housing outcomes.
• The post holder will ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and strategies while delivering high-quality, customer-focused services.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Provide detailed housing advice and options to prevent homelessness, including support with welfare benefits and Discretionary Housing Payments.
• Carry out statutory homelessness assessments in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Develop tailored housing plans and manage caseloads to achieve timely prevention and relief outcomes.
• Build effective working relationships with private landlords, letting agents, and housing associations to secure accommodation.
• Liaise with Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and external agencies to provide joined-up support.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and initiate appropriate safeguarding procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and case notes in line with service procedures and legal requirements.
• Contribute to policy development, service improvement projects, and strategy implementation.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or statutory homelessness casework.
• Strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation and codes of guidance.
• Experience of working in a customer-facing role with individuals in crisis or with complex needs.
• Proven ability to manage a caseload and meet performance targets and statutory deadlines.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and working under pressure.
• Strong ICT and case management system skills, with the ability to analyse and input data accurately.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, safeguarding procedures, and housing allocations policies.
Additional Information:
• Full-time role: 36 Hours/week.
• Enhanced DBS required.
• Must be able to travel for home visits and attend meetings across the Borough and outside as needed.
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