Housing Options Officer

Care Managers Ltd. is pleased to represent one of its clients in the public sector in recruiting a dedicated Housing Advisor. This role involves providing comprehensive housing advice and assistance to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in accordance with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. The Housing Advisor will determine homelessness status eligibility priority need local connection and intentional homelessness. Additionally the role includes conducting casework issuing statutory decision letters recording outcomes negotiating with landlords and collaborating with health and other support agencies to create and implement personal housing plans.

Location Hybrid (4 days in the office)

Duration of assignment: 3 months

Working hours: 37 hours per week

Rate: Up to 27 (Umbrella) per hour

IR35 status: Inside IR35

Ideal start date: ASAP

Homelessness Determination:

Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.

Evaluate eligibility priority need local connection and intentional homelessness.

Casework and Decision Letters:

Conduct detailed casework to support homeless individuals and families.

Issue statutory decision letters clearly outlining the outcomes and decisions made.

Personal Housing Plans:

Develop and implement personalized housing plans tailored to the needs of each household.

Collaborate with individuals to set realistic and achievable goals.

Negotiation and Collaboration:

Negotiate with landlords to secure and maintain housing for clients.

Work closely with health services and other support agencies to provide comprehensive support.

Outcome Recording and Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of all cases and outcomes.

Ensure all data is recorded in compliance with statutory requirements and council policies.

Support and Advice:

Provide thorough housing advice to individuals at risk of homelessness.

Offer guidance on housing options rights and responsibilities.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including landlords health professionals and support agencies.

Act as a liaison between clients and these stakeholders to facilitate effective support networks.

Statutory Compliance:

Ensure all actions and decisions comply with relevant housing legislation and council policies.

Stay updated on changes to housing laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong analytical skills to assess and determine homelessness status. (Essential)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for issuing decision letters and negotiating with stakeholders. (Essential)

Ability to develop and implement personal housing plans effectively. (Essential)

Strong interpersonal skills to provide compassionate advice and support to vulnerable individuals. (Essential)

Good organizational skills to manage a varied workload and maintain accurate records. (Essential)

Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and support agencies. (Essential)

Knowledge and Experience:

Indepth knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and relevant housing legislation. (Essential)

Experience in housing advice or a related field particularly in dealing with homelessness. (Essential)

Understanding of the challenges faced by homeless individuals and the support available. (Essential)

Experience in conducting detailed casework and managing complex cases. (Essential)

Knowledge of local housing markets and the ability to negotiate with landlords. (Essential)

Qualifications:

Relevant qualifications in housing social work or a related field. (Desirable)

Evidence of continuous professional development in housing or a related area. (Desirable)

Values and Personal Qualities:

Commitment to providing highquality service to vulnerable individuals. (Essential)

Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with clients. (Essential)

Strong ethical standards and integrity in decisionmaking. (Essential)

Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing demands and priorities. (Essential)

Resilience and the ability to work under pressure. (Essential)