Homelessness Prevention Officer

Location: Failsworth

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Recruitment Services are seeking a Homelessness Prevention Officer to join our clients Housing Options team based in Halifax.

This is an important role working directly with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing practical advice, advocacy and hands-on support to help them secure and maintain suitable accommodation.

As a Homelessness Prevention Officer, you will work closely with households presenting to the Housing Options Service, assessing their circumstances, identifying solutions and taking practical steps to prevent or relieve homelessness.

DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Provide professional advice, information and support to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Interview customers presenting to the Housing Options Service and provide tailored advice on homelessness prevention, accommodation options and available support.
Assess customers who are eligible and homeless, identifying their needs and developing effective, personalised housing plans.
Prepare and issue appropriate written documentation, including personal housing plans and decision letters.
Manage a caseload and undertake comprehensive, hands-on homelessness prevention work.
Negotiate with landlords, family members and other parties to identify sustainable housing solutions.
Advocate on behalf of clients with housing providers, statutory services, voluntary organisations and other agencies.
Visit clients in their homes, offices or other appropriate locations to understand their accommodation circumstances and future housing needs.
Build positive and trusting relationships with clients, colleagues, landlords, advice agencies, social services, health services, community groups and other partners.
Assist clients with relevant paperwork, applications and online forms to help them secure and sustain accommodation.
Attend case conferences and multi-agency meetings where appropriate.
Develop effective referral pathways and maintain strong partnerships with local housing and support organisations.
Provide Housing Advisers with clear and detailed information where homelessness cannot be prevented, enabling fully informed homelessness decisions to be made.
Support colleagues and contribute to maintaining a high-quality Housing Options service, including during periods of high demand.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Knowledge of the housing options available to a range of clients at risk of homelessness

Experience of working with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure or sustain accommodation

Experience of working with vulnerable people in a variety of settings
Knowledge of the benefits system
Proven ability to use IT packages including standard Microsoft Office software
Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work purpose
Enhanced DBS check
Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4

Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on (phone number removed) or email