Advice Officer

Our client, Caerphilly council, is looking for a Housing Advisor to join their team.

• Operate Part 2 of the Housing Act 2014 and the associated current Code of Guidance.
• Investigate all enquiries from persons homeless or threatened with homelessness to assess their needs and ensure satisfactory completion of all homeless duties required under the above legislation.
• Ensure that adequate homelessness prevention measures are carried out.
• Organise and maintain accurate records, statistics and administrative systems and ensure procedures are properly carried out.
• Refer homeless households and authorise placements to the Emergency Housing team.
• Provide advice on all housing related issues, including detailed advice and assistance on homelessness, housing options, prevention of homelessness, legality of tenancy agreements, matrimonial/housing law, etc.
• Work closely with the Housing Register Team with regard to the re‑housing requirements of Homeless Prevention cases.
• Liaise with all other relevant agencies, statutory and voluntary in completing enquiries and the general management of the service, e.g. Department for Work and Pensions, Police, Probation, Housing Benefits and Domestic Violence Services.
• Assist with the preparation of detailed reports on individual cases when required.
• Contribute to regular reviews/updates of the Homelessness policies and procedures.
• Participate in corporate initiatives for improving service delivery of customer services, including occasional assistance with training and information sessions.
• Participate in the implementation of new initiatives in relation to the development of the service, e.g. Caerphilly Website, Focus Groups, etc.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of the policies, procedures and legislation relating to Homelessness, Housing and Benefit changes and implement them effectively.
• Responsible for the referral of households to benefit from financial assistance from various funding resources available.
• Ensure management of case files in an efficient manner in accordance with specified timescales.
• Make complex decisions relating to homelessness in accordance with legislation and guidance and accurately record the decision making process.
• Remain calm and measured in extremely challenging circumstances whilst continuing to provide housing advice.
• Act as an advocate in tenancy disputes between landlords and tenants.
• React immediately to legal challenges made on behalf of clients.
• Compile risk assessments on clients referred to the Emergency Housing Team.
• Participate in the Homelessness Out of Hours Standby service.

• Personal one‑one service from your highly experienced dedicated consultant.
• Referral bonus – up to £250 per person placed (terms & conditions apply).
• Double payrolls each week.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS and fully register with Remedy for all locum positions.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone with suitable skills and ability regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief. All applications will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit.