Early Intervention Officer

Description

The Service & Team:

This role sits within the Housing Options Service and forms part of our Homeless Prevention. The team works proactively with individuals who are at risk of homelessness providing tailored advice support and practical solutions before housing problems reach crisis point. Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations you will help deliver Cornwalls commitment to early intervention and a preventative approach to housing support.

The Role:

• Early Intervention & Homelessness Prevention
  - Provide timely support to people at risk of homelessness or rough sleeping helping them remain in their accommodation or secure alternative housing.
• Person-Centred Casework
  - Manage a caseload assess housing needs and develop personalised housing plans that help customers achieve sustainable housing outcomes.
• Outreach & Community Engagement
  - Deliver outreach and drop-in sessions with partner agencies to identify housing issues early and reach people who may not access traditional services.
• Advice & Housing Solutions
  - Provide practical advice on housing options tenancy matters welfare benefits and homelessness prevention to help customers make informed decisions.
• Partnership Working
  -Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to coordinate support and achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Advocacy Negotiation & Problem Solving
  - Negotiate with landlords and housing providers resolve housing issues and identify creative solutions to prevent homelessness.
• Record Keeping & Service Improvement
  - Maintain accurate case records monitor outcomes and contribute to service improvement through effective data recording and reporting.

This is a public/customer-facing role where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

This position will be subject to a enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

Working Pattern:

• Monday to Friday working pattern with flexibility required to meet service needs.
• Hybrid working arrangement combining home office and community-based working.
• Regular travel across Cornwall will be required.
• Outreach drop-in sessions and face-to-face client work form an important part of the role.
• Participation in occasional out-of-hours work and service rotas may be required.

What youll need to succeed:

• Excellent Communication Skills Able to build trust quickly and engage effectively with people facing challenging and often complex circumstances.
• Empathy & Resilience Comfortable supporting vulnerable individuals while remaining calm and professional in crisis situations.
• Strong Case Management Skills Able to manage a busy caseload prioritise workloads and achieve positive outcomes.
• Problem-Solving & Creativity Skilled at identifying practical solutions and overcoming barriers to housing stability.
• Partnership Working Experience of working collaboratively with a range of statutory voluntary and community organisations.
• Negotiation Skills Confident negotiating with landlords agencies and stakeholders to secure the best outcomes for customers.
• IT Proficiency Able to maintain accurate records and use Microsoft Office and case management systems effectively.
• Knowledge of Housing & Homelessness Understanding of housing options welfare benefits and homelessness legislation including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 would be advantageous.

Whilst experience within housing homelessness or support services would be beneficial we are particularly interested in people who share our passion for helping others have a strong customer focus and are committed to learning and developing their skills. Full training and support will be provided.

Please read the role profile for the full details of this role attached below in this advert

What youll get in return:

Cornwall Councils ambition is to be an employer of choice a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance. Whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

Our…