Job Title: Homelessness and Housing Solutions Officer (Temp)
Company: Optima Plus Recruitment
Location: Redditch
Duration: 3 Months (Full-time, 37 hours per week)
Daily Rate: £30 - £32 per hour (umbrella, inside IR35)
About Us: Optima Plus Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency dedicated to connecting talented individuals with rewarding employment opportunities. We specialize in matching skilled professionals with reputable organizations across various industries.
Job Description: Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives by providing innovative housing solutions and preventing homelessness? We are seeking a dedicated and professional Homelessness and Housing Solutions Officer for a temporary 3-month role with a Local Authority.
Operational Purpose
You will be responsible for delivering customer focused homelessness prevention and relief services. Working within legal frameworks including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and Safeguarding legislation, you will play a crucial role in helping individuals access sustainable housing options.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide high-quality housing advice and solutions to prevent homelessness across all tenures.
* Manage a caseload of complex cases, making legally sound decisions based on up-to-date case law.
* Ensure temporary accommodation is allocated appropriately, adhering to legislation and guidance.
* Monitor and manage the expenditure associated with temporary accommodation and grant funding.
* Collaborate with internal teams, private sector landlords, and external agencies to deliver effective housing solutions.
* Maintain accurate and detailed case records, ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
* Provide support during tenancy management, including monitoring license agreements and welfare benefits.
* Ensure knowledge of housing legislation, safeguarding, and best practices remains current.
* Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying and addressing risks, opportunities, and service enhancements.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* At least 3 years of experience in homelessness, housing options, or a related advice service.
* In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
* Experience managing complex and sensitive cases with strong casework and report-writing skills.
* GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at Grade C or above.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
* CIH Level 3 or equivalent qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
* Experience in service improvement projects and partnership working with external agencies.
Key Skills and Attributes
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-centric approach.
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a demanding workload and meet deadlines.
* A proactive team player who can work collaboratively to achieve team goals.
* Ability to assess and manage risk while ensuring the safety of colleagues and service users.
* Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection compliance.
How to Apply: If you meet the above requirements and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your CV along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We look forward to hearing from you!
Application Deadline: 11/12/2024
Optima Plus Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment