Housing Officer

Role Purpose  You will work alongside colleagues to meet the council’s obligations under Housing Act 1996 as amended by Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  Requirements  Knowledge of the duties owed to the homeless under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended including Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Homelessness Act 2002 Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985 and 1988, the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, and knowledge of Family law and welfare benefits. Knowledge of the strategies for preventing homelessness and the main housing options initiatives, provided by both statutory and voluntary organisations. Experience working in a housing association or council  The ability to deliver homelessness prevention and housing option solutions with these being tailored to diverse communities and differing customer needs Responsibilities  To conduct housing options interviews with customers focussing on assessing housing needs, preventing homelessness and giving good quality advice on the housing choices available so that customers can make informed decisions To be the lead professional for customers by using an assessment tool to assist in exploring other support needs in relation to employment, childcare, immigration and legal advice and making supported referrals to internal and external partners using agreed protocols under the NWD programme. To negotiate and mediate with landlords, parents and other accommodation providers to prevent homelessness and provide practical assistance to help customers remain in their accommodation, including home visits  To provide good quality advice, information and assistance through face-to-face interviews, home visits, co-location, by telephone and by correspondence within a customer care framework, ensuring all deadlines are met and that customers can make informed decisions about their housing options To provide the above through a detailed knowledge of housing legislation and case law in relation to homelessness, children, immigration law, social housing sector landlord and tenant law, and family law including domestic abuse and welfare benefits and rights Contract  Initial 6 month ongoing contract with the opportunity to extend  PAYE via Umbrella  Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Hybrid - 2 days in office) If you are interested in this position AND meet the requirements, APPLY NOW