Housing Adviser (Homelessness Prevention Officer)

Job Description
Responsibilities
To act as a first point of contact for residents approaching the Council for housing assistance using all contact methods e.g. in person, by telephone, email, fax or by post. The post holder will work flexibly across all access channels and locations as required to meet the needs of applicants and to ensure the efficient and effective running of the service.
To ensure that all set performance targets are met or exceeded, and where they are not, to work with team leaders and managers to take steps to quickly improve performance
Develop and maintain a detailed working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Code of Guidance and all associated case law and other legislation and policy, and apply this knowledge in the administration of our prevention and relief and other statutory duties
To carry out full housing options interviews with all applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in a person-centred way, including carrying out enquiries into applicants’ circumstances, checking and verifying documents and visiting as appropriate, maximising prevention opportunities, creating and updating Personal Housing Plans, providing advice and appropriate assistance to enable applicants to remain in existing accommodation to source alternative accommodation
To determine homeless applications by conducting detailed enquiries, assessing against relevant legislation, guidance and caselaw, using initiative to ensure applications are fully investigated and determined with minimal management input.
Requirements
In-depth knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is essential
Experience working in a housing association or council
Some visits to other facilities such as Job Centre + and Family Hubs will be required.
Ability to communicate well face to face, by phone and email.
Contract
Initial 6 month ongoing contract with the opportunity to extend
PAYE via Umbrella
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (OFFICE BASED)
If you are interested in this position AND meet the requirements, APPLY NOW!