Housing Options Officer (temp: West Midlands)

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 highly likely to be extended).

Our client is based in Solihull in the West Midlands and this is a full time role for 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out homelessness interviews, managing complex cases from initial contact through to conclusion, and making decisions in accordance with homelessness legislation. They will work closely with clients to assess housing needs, provide tailored housing advice and support, and, where appropriate, assist them in securing suitable accommodation.

The role forms part of our clients' customer-focused frontline Homeless Services team and involves providing face-to-face advice on a range of homelessness and housing matters. The successful candidate will be required to work in the office twice a week on duty rota basis to ensure an excellent standard of customer service across the Housing Advice and Homelessness Service.

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)

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 three years would be hugely beneficial. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is also important. A car driver would be ideal (but is not essential) as you may need to visit clients in their homes.

Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria and can start on short notice (2 weeks' maximum) need apply.