Homeless Prevention Officer x

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Homeless Prevention officer to join our Homeless Prevention Team. The Homeless Prevention team.

• Preventing homelessness through advice,
• Referrals and case management,
• Taking lead for a specific area e.g. domestic violence, young people etc., representing the service at multi- agency meetings
• Keeping accurate customer records to inform monitoring and reporting,
• Carrying out homeless investigations and making homeless decisions within legislative frameworks
• To take responsibility for service delivery under the general direction of a qualified professional, applying knowledge and skills to developing a range of activities and events demonstrating understanding of the service area, relevant procedures and guidelines. For a HPO this includes case management and working with other colleagues, stakeholders and other agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible and/or finding solutions for homeless households
• Give information and advice to the community about housing services available through the council and how to access them. Establish & maintain appropriate links between the community and other professionals to encourage a clear understanding of each others priorities and ways of working
• Ensure information is given in a format that is suitable to meet an individuals needs and make appropriate referrals to other agencies that may be able to support the household, e.g. CAB, tenancy support etc
• Manage and maintain customer records to inform performance monitoring and reporting and to ensure compliance with the HRA 2017, this includes the use of ICT for records management.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

• 2-3 days in the office after completing a satisfactory probation period
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about housing, and who possesses the following skills and experience.

• Knowledge of Homelessness legislation. (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Suitability Order 2012, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
• Knowledge of options available to someone that is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Experience of working with the public and vulnerable applicants.
• Experience of managing a caseload with competing deadlines where detailed and complex investigations are required, working with precision and attention to detail
• Experience of working with external agencies to prevent homelessness
• Experience of effective partnership working which has led to positive solutions.
• Excellent communication skills using a range of techniques (listening, presentation, consultation, negotiation, influencing, persuasion) to ensure effective interaction with customers, colleagues, management, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of colleagues, partners and contacts.
• Good analysis and decision-making skills and ability to communicate these with others.
• Ability to adapt, responding to change as required.
• Ability to prioritise workload, manage time effectively and meet deadlines.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to establish and manage realistic applicant…