Housing Officer - Statutory Homelessnes

Housing Officer – Statutory Homelessness

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• Rate of pay: £32.26 Umbrella per hour
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• Job Type: Temporary (2 to 3 months)
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• Location: Guildhall (Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days remote)
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Day-to-Day Responsibilities

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• Assess homeless applications in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant legislation.
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• Deliver a comprehensive housing advice service, supporting applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
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• Carry out detailed and sensitive interviews to assess housing needs and determine appropriate outcomes.
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• Draft and issue statutory S184 decision letters accurately and within required timeframes.
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• Develop and implement Personal Housing Plans to support prevention and relief duties.
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• Arrange temporary accommodation placements where required, ensuring eligibility criteria are met and processes are followed.
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• Maintain accurate case records and ensure data returns to central government are completed on time.
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• Provide advice to customers via phone, email and face-to-face (including walk-in and duty cover).
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• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies (e.g. welfare services, social care) to deliver holistic support.
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• Conduct visits to temporary accommodation where necessary and ensure appropriate standards are maintained.
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• Carry out checks to verify applicant information and prevent fraudulent applications.
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• Contribute to wider homelessness prevention and rough sleeping initiatives.
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• Support team operations within a structure of triage, housing officers, and senior housing officer oversight.
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Skills & Experience Required

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• Proven experience working in a Housing Options or Homelessness service within a local authority.
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• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and associated guidance.
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• Demonstrable experience assessing homeless applications and determining duties.
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• Experience issuing S184 decision letters.
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• Ability to provide effective housing advice and prevent homelessness through early intervention.
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• Strong communication and interviewing skills, with a person-centred approach.
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• Experience managing a varied caseload and working to deadlines.
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• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a busy environment.
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• Competent in maintaining accurate records and handling sensitive information.
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Additional Requirements

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• Hybrid working: 3 days office-based and 2 days remote (including at least one duty day covering phones and walk-ins).
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• Enhanced DBS required.
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To apply for the Housing Officer – Statutory Homelessness position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience