Solutions Officer; Temp

Position: Housing Solutions Officer (Temp )
Pertemps Network Group are delighted to be assisting a reputable housing provider for a Housing Solutions Officer to join their Housing Solutions team.
This is a frontline statutory role requiring strong technical knowledge of homelessness legislation, excellent decision-making capability, and the ability to manage complex caseloads with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will play a key role in preventing homelessness, assessing statutory duties, and delivering high-quality, legally compliant decisions.

Salary: £22-23 PAYE
Line Management:
None
Working Pattern:
Hybrid (Minimum 3 days office-based)

Role Overview

The Housing Adviser will provide a comprehensive housing advice and homelessness assessment service in accordance with:

Housing Act 1996 (Part VII as amended)
Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
The Homelessness Code of Guidance
Relevant case law and statutory guidance

You will be responsible for assessing applications, issuing legally robust decisions, and maximising prevention opportunities to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Advice & Prevention
Act as a first point of contact for residents seeking housing assistance via face-to-face, telephone, email and written communication.
Conduct comprehensive housing options interviews in a person-centred manner.
Create, implement and review Personal Housing Plans.
Maximise prevention and relief opportunities to sustain existing accommodation or secure suitable alternatives.

Statutory Homelessness Decision Making
Assess and determine homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
Conduct detailed investigations, verify documentation and carry out enquiries including home visits where appropriate.
Accept, refuse or discharge duties in line with legislation, guidance and case law.
Issue fully reasoned and legally compliant decision letters within statutory timescales.

Case & Caseload Management
Proactively manage a varied caseload through continuous assessment and review.
Ensure accurate and timely case recording across all relevant systems.
Maintain detailed file notes and ensure statutory notifications are issued correctly.

Temporary Accommodation & Affordability
Undertake affordability assessments.
Recommend placements into temporary accommodation where prevention options have been exhausted, ensuring compliance with statutory duties and financial considerations.

Housing Register & Allocations
Assess applications to join the housing register.
Verify evidence and determine priority in accordance with the allocations scheme.

Safeguarding & Risk Management
Carry out safeguarding and risk assessments for vulnerable applicants.
Escalate concerns in line with child and adult protection procedures.

Legal & Review Work
Assist with statutory reviews under the Housing Act 1996.
Support responses to legal challenges including County Court appeals and Judicial Reviews.
Liaise with Legal Services and attend court where required.

Partnership Working
Work collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
Refer cases to appropriate agencies and attend case conferences as necessary.
Liaise with Corporate Anti-Fraud services where fraudulent applications are suspected.

About You

We are seeking a driven and technically competent housing professional with:

Detailed working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Experience assessing and determining homelessness applications.
Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and case law.
Experience managing a demanding caseload with minimal supervision.
Strong written skills with the ability to draft legally defensible decision letters.
Confidence in conducting interviews and making evidence-based decisions.
Experience working within a performance-driven environment.
Excellent partnership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Core Competencies
Complex problem-solving:
Ability to navigate statutory frameworks and deliver clear, practical solutions.
Critical thinking:
Evidence-based decision-making using analytical reasoning.
Creativity:
Applying innovative approaches to prevent homelessness and improve outcomes.
People-focused approach:
Strong interpersonal capability and collaborative working style.
Emotional intelligence:
Managing sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism.
Judgement & accountability:
Making sound decisions in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
Negotiation:
Influencing outcomes with landlords, partners and stakeholders.
Service excellence:
Commitment to delivering high standards of customer care.
Cognitive flexibility:
Ability to adapt to legislative change and service transformation.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking housing provider committed to delivering high-quality statutory housing services and meaningful homelessness prevention outcomes.

Apply now for the Housing Solutions role