Solutions Officer

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Salary: £37.563 - £40,044 a year

Hours:

37 hours a week
Contract type:
Permanent

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

As a Housing Solutions Officer, you will provide a proactive, customer-focused service to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will assess housing needs and eligibility in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant legislation, manage a caseload, and make timely, legally sound decisions.

You will work closely with customers to identify the causes of their housing situation, complete affordability assessments, develop personalised housing plans and identify suitable housing and support options. Where required, you will arrange emergency or temporary accommodation and coordinate referrals to appropriate support services.

The role involves working collaboratively with internal Council teams and external partners, including landlords, support agencies, health professionals and other statutory services, to prevent homelessness and achieve sustainable outcomes. You will also provide advice, advocacy and mediation where appropriate, including supporting customers experiencing eviction or other housing-related issues.

You will maintain accurate case records, prepare decision letters and reports, respond to reviews, complaints and professional enquiries, and ensure all statutory duties are discharged correctly and within required timescales. You will also contribute to service improvement, partnership working, training and community awareness, while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and case law.

This is a busy, target- driven frontline role requiring a compassionate , solution-focused approach and a strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes for customers. The post also includes participation in the Council’s statutory out-of-hours service on a rota basis.

You will have demonstrable experience managing complex housing or homelessness casework within a busy, pressurised environment, with a strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996 and related legislation, guidance and case law.

You will be confident making sound, timely decisions, interpreting and applying legislation and Council policies, and managing a varied caseload with minimal supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to interview customers effectively, produce accurate correspondence, decision letters, case notes and reports, and communicate sensitively with people who may have complex needs or challenging behaviour.

You will have experience working with vulnerable households and identifying support needs, as well as building effective relationships with internal teams, landlords, statutory services and external partner agencies. You will be able to negotiate, advocate and work collaboratively to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.

You will be organised, adaptable and able to prioritise competing demands while maintaining accurate case records, financial information and performance data. You will also have good IT skills, including the ability to use Excel and relevant case management systems.

A relevant housing qualification, such as an Institute of Housing or NVQ qualification, or equivalent knowledge and experience, would be desirable. You will demonstrate a commitment to equality and inclusive service delivery, be willing to maintain your professional knowledge and development, and be able to travel as required and participate in the Council’s emergency out-of-hours homelessness…