Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer – AR

Job Description:

Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer

Directorate: Community

Division: Housing Services – Housing Needs

Grade: G9

Reports to: Team Manager – Homelessness Prevention & Solutions

Location: As determined by the line manager

To deliver the Council’s statutory duties to prevent and relieve homelessness by providing high-quality housing advice, assessment, and case management services to households experiencing housing difficulties.

The postholder is responsible for supporting individuals and families to sustain existing accommodation wherever possible, minimise the use of temporary accommodation, and secure suitable long-term housing solutions. This includes undertaking statutory homelessness assessments, creating and managing Personal Housing Plans, negotiating with landlords and other stakeholders, and making legally robust decisions in accordance with homelessness legislation.

The role involves managing complex cases, including those subject to reviews, complaints, ombudsman investigations, and judicial review proceedings.

• Provide specialist housing advice and support to individuals and households experiencing housing crises.
• Deliver homelessness prevention and relief services in accordance with statutory duties and local policies.
• Conduct face-to-face, telephone, and electronic interviews with customers.
• Assess housing needs and explore all available options to prevent homelessness and secure sustainable accommodation.
• Support customers to access the private rented sector, supported housing, hostels, refuges, and other appropriate housing options.
• Promote alternatives to social housing and manage customer expectations regarding local housing availability.

• Manage and prioritise a diverse caseload, ensuring statutory deadlines and performance targets are met.
• Undertake statutory homelessness assessments, including determining eligibility, homelessness status, priority need, intentional homelessness, and local connection.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Issue statutory decision letters, including Section 184 decisions and other notifications required under homelessness legislation.
• Make referrals to other local authorities and relevant agencies where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date case records and management information.

• Negotiate and mediate with landlords, agents, family members, and other parties to prevent homelessness.
• Support customers with housing affordability assessments, welfare benefit applications, and access to financial assistance schemes.
• Facilitate access to prevention funding, discretionary housing payments, rent deposits, and rent‑in‑advance schemes.
• Provide tenancy sustainment support to help customers maintain accommodation and reduce repeat homelessness.
• Assist customers with possession proceedings, including guidance on Section 21 notices and court processes.
• Liaise with housing benefit and Universal Credit teams to ensure appropriate support is in place.

• Develop effective working relationships with internal departments and external organisations, including social care, health services, probation, domestic abuse services, landlords, housing providers, and voluntary sector agencies.
• Attend multi‑agency meetings, case conferences, and court hearings where required.
• Represent the Council professionally when dealing with councillors, MPs, legal representatives, and the Ombudsman.

• Respond promptly to complaints, reviews, legal challenges, and judicial review enquiries.
• Identify and refer suspected fraud or misrepresentation cases for further investigation.