Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Housing Options Officer for our client, a government organisation based in Bournemouth.
The successful candidate will assess the organisation's housing duty to those applying for housing as homeless or threatened with homelessness, in accordance with statute and policy and working procedures.
As a member of a committed team, you will provide person-centred housing options advice and support with a focus on preventing homelessness.
This is a 3-month starting contract with the possibility for extensions. This role is hybrid with at least 2 days required for community-based work.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide specialist advice on a range of complex housing options and homeless prevention initiatives.
2. Hold a caseload and carry out detailed legal assessments of applications for housing, making decisions on all aspects of housing or homelessness applications including verification, eligibility, housing need and support.
3. Determine the support needs of households in housing need and refer to specialist providers where appropriate.
4. Participate in Housing Options Duty Rota, providing excellent customer service in respect of a range of complex and contentious housing enquiries, through various communication channels, online, face-to-face, and in the community.
5. Lead multi-agency case meetings for households with complex problems.
6. Act as housing lead in response to serious domestic abuse, child protection, adult safeguarding, etc., where clients have identified housing needs.
7. Develop strong relationships with all housing providers and promote multi-agency initiatives in the prevention of homelessness.
8. Maintain continuous professional development and up-to-date knowledge of related legislation, such as landlord and tenant, family, welfare benefits, child and adult safeguarding.
9. Prevent homelessness wherever possible by negotiation and collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
10. Effectively manage a caseload through personal housing plans, communication strategies, and effective record keeping.
11. Provide affidavit evidence in cases where legal review is triggered.
12. Apply client confidentiality procedures to investigations undertaken and follow guidance in relation to lone working where there are potential risks to personal safety.
Personal Requirements:
1. Experience of providing professional advice to people in housing need or a relevant sector.
2. Experience of working with a range of different vulnerable clients (e.g., victims of domestic abuse, mental health, offenders, substance misuse, young people, learning or other disabilities).
3. Experience of managing a caseload and developing support plans.
4. Qualified to L4 Diploma or equivalent experience.
5. Must have Part 7 housing options experience.
6. Ability to travel around the area (and to other areas of the UK) in an agreed timely manner.
Working Hours: 09:00 am - 17:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Pay: £19.46 p/h
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Key Words: Housing Options, Homelessness, Part 7
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