Homelessness Prevention Officer
We are currently recruiting for a Homelessness Prevention Officer to join a local authority’s Housing Options team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced housing professional to make a direct difference to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Role
You will work directly with households to prevent and relieve homelessness, helping people secure and sustain suitable accommodation. You will manage your own caseload and provide practical advice, advocacy and hands-on homelessness prevention support.
Key responsibilities include:
- Interviewing customers presenting as homeless or in housing need and providing appropriate housing advice
- Assessing housing needs and developing Personalised Housing Plans
- Managing a caseload and carrying out proactive homelessness prevention work
- Negotiating with landlords, parents and other parties to prevent homelessness
- Supporting customers to secure and maintain accommodation
- Working closely with housing providers, voluntary organisations, Social Services, advice agencies and other partners
- Completing case records, decision letters and other statutory documentation
- Visiting customers at home and other suitable locations where required
- Attending case conferences and multi-agency meetings
About You
You will have:
- Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- A sound understanding of prevention and relief duties and Personalised Housing Plans
- Experience working with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Experience working with vulnerable people
- Strong negotiation, communication and advocacy skills
- Experience working within a multi-agency environment
- Ability to manage a caseload, prioritise workloads and meet competing deadlines
- Knowledge of housing options and the benefits system
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent/demonstrable experience)
- Willingness to undertake occasional evening and weekend work
- Ability to undertake regular visits across the borough
The role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a balance of home working and office-based work.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check including Adult and Children’s Barred List Checks