Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

• Homelessness Assessments:
  
  
  
  • Evaluate applications under the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
    
  
  
  • Conduct detailed housing needs assessments and determine duties owed to applicants.
    
  
  
  • Complete statutory investigations and issue Section 184 decision letters.
    
  
  

• Prevention & Relief Duties:
  
  
  
  • Work with customers to prevent and relieve homelessness.
    
  
  
  • Explore housing options and develop tailored prevention strategies.
    
  
  
  • Ensure applicants are informed throughout the process.
    
  
  

• Personal Housing Plans:
  
  
  
  • Develop and monitor Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
    
  
  
  • Collaborate with customers to achieve agreed outcomes.
    
  
  

• Housing Advice & Case Management:
  
  
  
  • Provide high-quality housing advice and manage a complex caseload.
    
  
  
  • Ensure accurate case recording and file management.
    
  
  

• Financial Assessments:
  
  
  
  • Conduct affordability assessments and support income maximization.
    
  
  
  • Liaise with welfare benefit services as needed.
    
  
  

• Housing Register Assessments:
  
  
  
  • Assess and process housing register applications.
    
  
  
  • Maintain accurate housing records.
    
  
  

• Landlord & Stakeholder Negotiation:
  
  
  
  • Negotiate with landlords and housing providers to prevent homelessness.
    
  
  
  • Facilitate positive outcomes through partnership working.
    
  
  

• Partnership Working:
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
    
  
  
  • Attend multi-agency meetings and coordinate support plans.
    
  
  

• Database & Record Management:
  
  
  
  • Maintain accurate case notes and ensure compliance with GDPR.
    
  
  

• Essential:
  
  
  
  • Ability to attend the office once per week for face-to-face assessments.
    
  
  
  • Experience with Abritas and Civica systems.
    
  
  
  • Knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
    
  
  
  • Experience issuing Section 184 decisions and managing complex housing cases.
    
  
  
  • Strong customer service and case management skills.
    
  
  

• Desirable:
  
  
  
  • Previous local authority homelessness experience.
    
  
  
  • Knowledge of the Renters Rights Act.
    
  
  
  • Experience in multi-agency meetings and working with partner organizations.
    
  
  

Additional Information

• This is a 3-month temporary contract with a rate of £36.10 per hour (Umbrella).
  


• The role is based in the RG12 (Bracknell Area) and requires full-time hours.
  


• Bi-weekly pay with a requirement to attend the office once per week for face-to-face assessments.
  


• Previous local authority homelessness experience and knowledge of the Renters Rights Act are highly desirable.