Housing adviser, Social Work

Housing Adviser (Homelessness & Housing Options)

London| Hybrid – 3 days on site | 4 months (potential extension)

Make an immediate impact on residents facing homelessness. A leading local authority is seeking an experienced Housing Adviser on a 4‑month temporary basis to assess and determine statutory homelessness applications, deliver person‑centred housing options work, and help prevent and relieve homelessness across the borough.

The role

You will act as a first point of contact for residents seeking housing assistance (in person, by phone, email, and post) and manage a caseload of complex cases from initial enquiry through to decision, referral, and placement. Working with minimal supervision, you will apply the Housing Act 1996 (Part
7), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law to make lawful, timely, and well‑reasoned decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting full housing options interviews and detailed enquiries; verifying documents and carrying out visits as needed.

Creating and updating Personal Housing Plans and maximising prevention opportunities to help people remain in or source suitable accommodation.

Assessing and determining homelessness applications, including issuing statutory notifications and decisions correctly and on time.

Carrying out affordability assessments and advising on suitable, affordable accommodation options.

Recommending temporary accommodation placements where prevention is exhausted, in line with statutory duties and council constraints.

Assessing applications to join the housing register, verifying evidence, and determining priority under the council’s allocation scheme.

Working with internal teams and external partners (social care, health, police, voluntary sector) via referrals, meetings, and case conferences.

Undertaking risk and safeguarding assessments for children and vulnerable adults; escalating concerns appropriately.

Supporting statutory reviews, legal challenges, and court attendance where required; instructing Legal Services and consulting Counsel.

Maintaining accurate case records, file notes, and database entries; responding to complaints and Members’ Enquiries.

Contributing to service performance targets and continuous improvement; deputising for the Team Leader when needed.

About you

We recruit for attitude as much as experience. You will bring strong complex problem‑solving, critical thinking, and judgement, with the ability to work independently through ambiguity and make evidence‑based decisions. You are calm under pressure, highly organised, and committed to outstanding customer service.

Essential skills and attributes:

Sound knowledge of Part 7 homelessness law, the Homelessness Code, and associated case law (or the ability to quickly get up to speed).

Experience conducting housing options interviews, assessments, and decision‑making in a high‑volume environment.

Excellent written communication for clear, reasoned decision letters and case recording.

Strong emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to build rapport with people in crisis.

Confidence liaising with multi‑agency partners and managing sensitive safeguarding issues.

High digital literacy; comfortable using council IT systems, databases, and case management tools.

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to working in an agile, hybrid team.

Working pattern and location
Hybrid working: 3 days per week on site at offices in London, with flexible working considered.

Contract:

4 months temporary, with the possibility of extension based on service need and performance.

Full induction, supervision, and access to ongoing training and development.

Benefits
Competitive local government salary (pro rata) and pension scheme.

Generous annual leave and flexible working options.

Professional development and career progression opportunities within a busy, supportive Housing Solutions team.

How to apply

Please apply via this advert with an up‑to‑date CV with your experience with Part 7 homelessness work, housing options interviews, and statutory decision‑making.

The Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria