Housing Solutions Officer

Housing Solutions Officer

We are looking for an experienced Housing Solutions Officer to join a busy Housing and Communities service on a temporary basis.

You will play a key role in preventing homelessness, assessing housing needs and providing effective housing solutions to customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage homelessness cases in line with the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Undertake assessments and determine statutory duties relating to Prevention, Relief and Homelessness.
• Develop and maintain Personal Housing and Wellbeing Plans.
• Provide advice and support to customers to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Explore and secure appropriate housing options and solutions.
• Assist with housing register and allocation processes, including choice-based lettings.
• Make temporary accommodation placements and complete appropriate risk and suitability assessments.
• Manage rent accounts for customers placed in temporary accommodation.
• Work closely with landlords, letting agents, voluntary and community organisations and other partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate case records and complete relevant reports and statistical returns.
• Provide a high standard of customer service, including dealing sensitively with complex and challenging situations.
• Contribute to service improvement, partnership working and wider housing initiatives.

About You

You will have:

• Recent and relevant experience within housing, homelessness or a public sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly the Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Experience working directly with members of the public and delivering customer-focused services.
• Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.
• Strong organisational and case management skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• The ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive or emotive situations professionally.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to challenge and negotiate constructively.
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• A relevant Level 2 housing qualification, or willingness to work towards one.
• A current driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

This is an office-based role offering an initial contract until the end of November, with potential for extension.