Housing Solutions Officer

Housing Solutions Officer

We are looking for an experienced Housing Solutions Officer to join a busy Housing and Communities service on a temporary basis.

You will play a key role in preventing homelessness, assessing housing needs and providing effective housing solutions to customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

Manage homelessness cases in line with the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Undertake assessments and determine statutory duties relating to Prevention, Relief and Homelessness.
Develop and maintain Personal Housing and Wellbeing Plans.
Provide advice and support to customers to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
Explore and secure appropriate housing options and solutions.
Assist with housing register and allocation processes, including choice-based lettings.
Make temporary accommodation placements and complete appropriate risk and suitability assessments.
Manage rent accounts for customers placed in temporary accommodation.
Work closely with landlords, letting agents, voluntary and community organisations and other partner agencies.
Maintain accurate case records and complete relevant reports and statistical returns.
Provide a high standard of customer service, including dealing sensitively with complex and challenging situations.
Contribute to service improvement, partnership working and wider housing initiatives.

About You

You will have:

Recent and relevant experience within housing, homelessness or a public sector environment.
Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly the Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Experience working directly with members of the public and delivering customer-focused services.

Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.
Strong organisational and case management skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
The ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive or emotive situations professionally.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to challenge and negotiate constructively.
Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records.
A relevant Level 2 housing qualification, or willingness to work towards one.
A current driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

This is an office-based role offering an initial contract until the end of November, with potential for extension