Housing adviser, Social Work

Join our busy Housing Options team and make a real difference every day, helping people facing homelessness to find safe, stable homes and achieve lasting, positive outcomes.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated individual with experience in housing, homelessness or advice roles to manage a caseload of clients threatened with homelessness. Upon successful completion of training, the role will be based at City Hall, Norwich, with the opportunity to work from home up to two days per week, depending on service demands.

• Effectively manage a caseload of households threatened with homelessness, ensuring timely action in line with statutory duties.
• Undertake assessments under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017), including eligibility, homelessness status and associated duties.
• Develop, agree and regularly review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), identifying reasonable and tailored steps to prevent homelessness.
• Take proactive, outcome‑focused action to prevent homelessness within statutory timescales.
• Undertake statutory reviews of homelessness decisions under s.202 Housing Act 1996, carrying out detailed legal assessments and issuing robust decision letters capable of withstanding challenge.
• Identify and secure appropriate accommodation solutions, including access to the private rented sector, supported housing and alternative housing pathways.
• Deliver clear, accurate, and practical housing advice, enabling customers to make informed decisions and sustain accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies (landlords, support services, health professionals, voluntary organisations) to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Identify vulnerability and safeguarding concerns, making appropriate referrals and coordinating support for customers with complex needs.
• Ensure all casework adheres to current legislation, statutory guidance and local policy, maintaining clear records.
• Contribute to service objectives by achieving prevention outcomes and meeting targets.
• Maintain accurate, timely case records in line with GDPR, audit standards and service requirements.
• Maintain regular, professional contact with customers, managing expectations and responding promptly to enquiries.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying service issues, sharing good practice and keeping up to date with legislative changes.

• The ability to interpret and apply complex housing and homelessness legislation to real‑life situations and make robust, defensible decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting detailed reports and decision letters suitable for legal scrutiny.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, influence and build trust with a diverse and challenging client group.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a creative and solution‑focused approach.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, enabling the management of competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• The ability to handle difficult and high‑pressure situations calmly and professionally.
• Ability to assess complex needs and communicate options clearly and sensitively.
• Capability to manage an individual caseload independently while contributing effectively to team working.
• Good IT literacy and ability to maintain accurate records and use case‑management systems.

• Degree, CIH qualification or equivalent professional qualification; or
• Significant relevant experience within housing or a related field demonstrating transferable skills and knowledge.

The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.

• All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
• In addition to statutory public holidays, an additional statutory day leave is granted at Christmas.
• Occupational health and employee assistance support are provided.
• Living Wage accreditation is recognised.