Homelessness Prevention & Advice Officer (temp: South London)

An exciting opportunity has emerged for a temporary Homelessness Prevention and Advice Officer to join one of Adecco's public sector clients in a temporary contract, initially for 3-6 months (but highly likely to be extended).

Our client is based in Sutton in South London and this is a full time role for 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Office attendance is 2 days each week, every fortnight only.

Due to the busy nature of the role, the client is keen for applicants to possess previous experience of:

Interviewing clients and resolving all housing problems.
Processing claims for homeless applications as required under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
Advising and preventing homelessness by offering the correct advice to clients approaching the Council as homeless.
Assessing whether those who are threatened with homelessness qualify for private sector options under the Housing Act, Part VII, as amended.
Having regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance and the Council's Homelessness Prevention and resilience agenda.
Sound knowledge of Housing and Homelessness Law and experience in resolving complex housing problems.
Administrative skills to manage caseload and work effectively in a team of 6-8 officers
Ability to deal with very demanding service users and partners, and have strong IT and admin skills.
Updating PHP's (Personal Housing Plans)
Writing accurate S184 decision letters.

As the client is keen for the candidate to hit the ground running previous experience of carrying out a similar role with a local authority client in the last two years would be hugely beneficial. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is also important. A car driver is not required.

Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria and can start on short notice (2 weeks' maximum) need apply.