3 months Contract with a Local Authority

Umbrella - £30.00 per hour

Job Purpose

As a Homelessness & Prevention Officer, you will work directly with individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, delivering housing advice, prevention activities, and statutory homelessness assessments. You will help customers secure sustainable housing solutions while ensuring compliance with the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Key Duties/Accountabilities

• Interview customers and assess their housing circumstances and needs.
• Provide tailored housing advice and homelessness prevention support.
• Carry out homelessness assessments under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Manage homelessness applications from initial enquiry through to decision.
• Complete statutory decision-making and issue formal decisions.
• Create and monitor Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Work proactively to prevent and relieve homelessness.
• Undertake mediation, negotiation, and reconciliation with landlords, family members, and other parties.
• Conduct home visits where required.
• Arrange suitable temporary accommodation when necessary.
• Assist customers in accessing private rented accommodation and social housing.
• Assess Housing Register applications.
• Administer Homelessness Prevention Grants and Loans.
• Liaise with external agencies, support providers, health professionals, landlords, and partner organisations.
• Maintain accurate case records and complete HCLIC reporting requirements.
• Support vulnerable clients and make referrals to support services.
• Represent the Council at meetings, case conferences, tribunals, and court proceedings where required.
• Work collaboratively across Housing Advice and Benefits services.