One of my local government clients is currently recruiting an experienced Prevention Officer on a temporary basis. This is a 3-month minimum contract with the possibility of the role being extended further to work Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
This is a hybrid working role; however, you will be required to attend the office 2/3 times a week.
Overview:
1. Provide advice and assistance to prevent homelessness where possible and enable households to either remain in current accommodation or access alternative accommodation if available.
2. Carry out home visits to confirm details provided regarding potential homelessness. Negotiate and challenge family/friends excluders to avoid evictions. This may include mediation, debt and employment advice, dealing with anti-social behaviour, and exploring short- and longer-term options to improve difficult living conditions.
3. Investigate and attempt to resolve landlord/tenant disputes and family breakdowns, by seeking to conciliate wherever possible, ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and remedies, in order to prevent homelessness.
Responsibilities:
1. To provide accurate housing advice and assistance to customers to relieve homelessness, which will include giving advice on security of tenure, rights of occupation, eligibility for benefits, private rent options, low-cost home ownership, housing register, and moving back to family/friends.
2. To assess if a household has a priority need under Homelessness legislation.
3. Contact current landlord/family/friends who intend to evict and carry out extensive mediation and negotiation to avoid this.
4. Make referrals to mental health services, Early Help, Social services, and other professionals.
5. To have a good knowledge and understanding of the welfare benefits system, and complete entitled assessments with clients.
6. To support clients to access the private rented sector by providing information and advice on private landlords and letting agents, including viewing prospective properties with clients, negotiating fees, and rent deposit schemes suitable for both client and landlord.
7. To interview customers in their homes where appropriate and carry out assessments of their housing and support needs and create bespoke Personalised Housing Plans.
8. Adhere to and understand Section 195 of the 1996 Act, the 'prevention duty' to work with people who are threatened with homelessness within 56 days to help prevent them from becoming homeless.
9. Carry out Joint homelessness assessments of 16/17-year-olds in line with legislation and Kent protocol.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please send your CV to Jahker Miah from Coyle Personnel Ltd.
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