Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer – 3 Month Contract (Potential Extension)

Summary

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse caseload of homelessness and housing options cases.
  


• Assess applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  


• Conduct thorough investigations and make recommendations on statutory homelessness duties.
  


• Develop and review Personalized Housing Plans.
  


• Deliver interventions for homelessness prevention and relief.
  


• Provide professional housing advice across various housing tenures.
  


• Explore all available housing options to prevent homelessness.
  


• Support applicants in accessing private rented accommodation, social housing, and other housing pathways.
  


• Ensure temporary accommodation is provided where a statutory duty exists.
  


• Effectively manage placements into temporary accommodation and associated duties.
  


• Build and maintain relationships with private sector landlords to maximize housing opportunities.
  


• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
  


• Maintain accurate case records and ensure information is recorded in accordance with legislation and service standards.
  


• Produce detailed reports, case summaries, and decision letters.
  


• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information.
  


• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection, and housing legislation.
  


• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and performance targets.
  

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention, or Homelessness Assessment Service.
  


• Strong working knowledge of:
  
  
  
  • Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & Part VII)
    
  
  
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  
  
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
    
  
  
  • Welfare Reform
    
  
  
  • Safeguarding Legislation
    
  
  
  • Housing Allocations
    
  
  


• Experience assessing complex homelessness cases.
  


• Experience writing detailed, legally compliant decision letters and reports.
  


• Experience managing challenging, sensitive, and complex casework.
  


• Experience working with vulnerable households and individuals.
  


• Strong partnership-working experience with internal and external agencies.
  


• Experience achieving targets in a busy and demanding environment.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
  


• Experience using housing management and case management systems.
  

Desirable Requirements

• CIH Qualification or willingness to work towards one.
  


• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
  


• Local Authority homelessness experience.
  


• Experience managing temporary accommodation placements.
  


• Experience working with private sector landlord schemes.
  


• Knowledge of wider housing management and tenancy services.
  

What We're Looking For

• Highly organized and able to manage competing priorities.
  


• Customer-focused and solutions-driven.
  


• Calm and resilient in challenging situations.
  


• Confident in making decisions and defending recommendations.
  


• Able to build strong relationships with customers, colleagues, landlords, and partner agencies.
  


• Passionate about preventing homelessness and improving outcomes for residents.
  


• Committed to delivering high-quality, legally compliant services.
  

What's on Offer?

• £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  


• 3-month contract with potential extension
  


• Hybrid working arrangement
  


• Minimum 2 days per week office-based
  


• Full-time hours
  


• Bi-weekly pay
  


• Opportunity to work within a busy and highly regarded Housing Solutions Team