Housing Needs Officer - Rough Sleepers

Adecco are recruiting for an experienced Housing Needs Officer to support a busy Housing Needs service within a South London local authority. This role focuses on rough sleepers and individuals at risk of rough sleeping, combining statutory housing duties with proactive outreach and intensive casework.

You will play a key role in assessing, preventing, and relieving homelessness, delivering a person-centred service in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and supporting vulnerable individuals into sustainable accommodation and long-term independence.

Housing Needs Officer - Rough Sleepers
Public Sector - Local Authority - Croydon Council
Full Time - Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week
Grade 9 - £22.41 per hour PAYE / £29.72 per hour Umbrella
Hybrid Working - 2 to 3 days per week in office, remainder at home
Temporary Role - current sign off to March 2027
IT equipment provided
ASAP Start

Key Responsibilities

Casework & Assessments

Manage a caseload of rough sleepers and single homeless applicants
Conduct detailed housing needs assessments and determine statutory duties
Develop and maintain Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs)

Rough Sleeper Engagement

Work alongside outreach teams to identify and verify rough sleepers
Engage with individuals with complex needs (e.g. mental health, substance misuse, offending history)
Build trust through flexible, proactive approaches

Homelessness Prevention & Relief

Take action to prevent homelessness (e.g. mediation, tenancy sustainment)
Source suitable accommodation including:
Temporary accommodation
Private rented housing
Supported housing pathways
Support clients to move from the streets into settled housing

Multi-Agency Working

Collaborate with partners including:
Health services
Probation and criminal justice agencies
Drug and alcohol services
Voluntary sector organisations
Coordinate support plans for individuals with complex needs

Tenancy Sustainment & Support

Help clients understand and maintain tenancies
Support with benefits, utilities, and budgeting
Liaise with landlords to resolve issues and prevent evictions

Compliance & Administration

Maintain accurate case records on housing systems (including NEC)
Ensure decisions comply with:
Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Prepare decision letters, reports, and legal documentation

Skills & Experience

Essential:

Experience within housing options, homelessness, or rough sleeping services
Strong knowledge of housing legislation and statutory duties
Experience supporting vulnerable individuals with complex needs
Working knowledge and experience using the NEC housing system
Excellent communication and case management skillsDesirable:

Previous experience within a local authority housing team
Understanding of London housing pathways and Rough Sleeper Initiative work
Experience working in multi-agency environments

Key Competencies

Empathy and resilience when working with vulnerable groups
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to manage a high caseload under pressure
Effective partnership working and negotiation skills

What's on Offer

Long-term contract opportunity through to March 2027
Hybrid working (2-3 days in office)
IT equipment provided
Opportunity to make a tangible impact supporting vulnerable individuals off the streets into stable housing

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed