Housing Options Officer (temp: Haywards Heath, Sussex)

An exciting opportunity has emerged for a Housing Options Officer to join one of Adecco Public Sector's Local Authority clients in a temporary contract, initially for 3 months (but with every possibility of being extended).

Our client is based in Haywards Heath in Mid Sussex and this is a full time role for 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Office attendance is required two days each week as you will be involved on the phone duty for the week. You will be dealing with any homeless approaches on the day when attending the office, and will hold a caseload which will involve working from the initial stage of an approach through to making main duty decisions. The successful candidate will also be expected to complete s184 decisions.

Due to the busy nature of the role, the client is keen for applicants to possess previous experience of:

* Interviewing clients and resolving all housing problems.
* Processing claims for homeless applications as required under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
* Advising and preventing homelessness by offering the correct advice to clients approaching the Council as homeless.
* Assessing whether those who are threatened with homelessness qualify for private sector options under the Housing Act, Part VII, as amended.
* Having regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance and the Council's Homelessness Prevention and resilience agenda.
* Sound knowledge of Housing and Homelessness Law and experience in resolving complex housing problems.
* Administrative skills to manage caseload and work effectively in a team of 6-8 officers
* Ability to deal with very demanding service users and partners, and have strong IT and admin skills.
* Updating PHP's (Personal Housing Plans)
* Using Home Connections / Hope

As the client is keen for the candidate to hit the ground running previous experience of carrying out a similar role with a local authority client in the last two years would be hugely beneficial. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is also important. A car driver would be highly desirable, but is not essential.

Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria, are happy to work in our client's office 2 days a week and can start on short notice (1-2 weeks maximum) need apply