Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by providing tailored housing advice and support to individuals in need.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving housing solutions for the Hillingdon community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven role that empowers residents and fosters community well-being.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or experience in housing, client assessment, and case management are essential.
- Other info: Participation in an Out of Hours rota is required for emergency housing situations.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post-holder will be responsible for proactively delivering housing options advice, including security of tenure, low-cost home ownership, preventing homelessness, investigating householder circumstances, and undertaking statutory assessments to determine the best options and resources available on a case-by-case basis. This involves managing a caseload across housing options, move-on, and homeless prevention, working with individuals to access a broad range of housing options, making relevant onward referrals, and signposting to other services. The post holder will ensure statutory requirements are met and local team targets are delivered through casework.
1. People Management
No direct supervisory responsibility; however, may assist in induction and training of peers and new employees.
2. Customer Management
Support the management of the service by delivering a professional, responsive, and individualized service to Hillingdon residents requiring housing advice. Explore and signpost to housing options, demonstrating understanding of the Council's Customer Care Standards to ensure these standards are met, aligning with the vision of putting residents first. Provide holistic, informed, and accurate housing advice, supporting residents to assess and manage their housing situations independently and make informed choices.
3. Operational Service Delivery
Ensure that potentially homeless clients receive advice and assistance, including those in housing need where the Council has no legal obligation to provide emergency accommodation. Assist in claiming housing and welfare benefits to prevent or delay homelessness, including the use of discretionary hardship payments (DHP). Assess and determine applications from homeless households within the Housing Act 1996, discharge statutory duties, and manage case work to standards of timeliness and quality, maintaining accurate records and reports. Stay updated on housing legislation, policies, and guidance to meet statutory requirements. Communicate effectively with staff, customers, stakeholders, and external agencies. Represent the service at meetings and contribute to policy and strategy development, including homelessness and housing strategies. Detect and prevent fraudulent applications, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with corporate standards. Manage case work to move clients from temporary to sustainable housing, develop relationships with private landlords, and engage with other council services. Identify safeguarding concerns, undertake risk assessments, and provide expert advice on security of tenure. Manage complex cases to prevent homelessness and collaborate with external partners to deliver seamless services.
4. Service Planning & Development
Contribute to team planning, targets, and policy manuals. Support budget management and procurement in line with guidelines. Lead service improvement initiatives and undertake professional development. Incorporate equal opportunities and customer care policies into practice.
5. Contacts
Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including DWP, landlords, housing associations, health providers, and voluntary agencies, to deliver effective housing services.
6. Additional Responsibilities
Perform duties respecting health and safety legislation, support staff, and undertake other tasks as instructed.
7. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Delivery of team plans, reduction in households in temporary accommodation, procurement of private rented accommodation, support for residents into alternative accommodation, timely completion of prevention and relief case decisions, achievement of service levels.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Relevant qualification (NVQ, diploma, degree, or experience), English & Maths GCSE grade AC or equivalent.
Experience
Front-facing client assessment, case work and management systems, multi-disciplinary working, working on operational projects with deadlines.
Role Specific Requirements
Participation in Out of Hours rota for emergency housing, flexibility and ability to visit clients borough-wide.
Knowledge & Skills
Effective communication with diverse clients, understanding of council objectives and services, conflict resolution skills, negotiation and influencing skills, data and case management proficiency, ICT skills and software proficiency, customer complaint handling.
Hospital Discharge - Homeless Prevention Officer employer: 5 Star Recruitment
Contact Detail:
5 Star Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospital Discharge - Homeless Prevention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local housing legislation and policies. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with others who work in homelessness prevention or housing advice, as they may provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss case studies during your interview. Think of specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex cases or provided effective housing advice, as this will showcase your practical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of customer care standards. Be ready to explain how you would ensure a responsive and individualised service for clients, aligning with the council's vision of putting residents first.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospital Discharge - Homeless Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Hospital Discharge - Homeless Prevention Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in housing advice, case management, or working with vulnerable populations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage complex cases and deliver effective solutions.
Showcase Communication Skills: Effective communication is key for this role. Provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate with diverse clients and stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and negotiate effectively.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation: Mention your understanding of relevant housing legislation and policies in your application. This shows that you are well-informed and prepared to meet the statutory requirements of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at 5 Star Recruitment
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the key housing legislation and policies relevant to the role. Understanding the Housing Act 1996 and local council regulations will demonstrate your preparedness and ability to navigate complex cases effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would communicate with diverse clients, including those in crisis. Highlight examples from your past experiences where you successfully resolved conflicts or provided clear advice to individuals facing housing challenges.
✨Demonstrate Case Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with casework and management systems. Share specific examples of how you've managed caseloads, maintained accurate records, and met deadlines in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with various stakeholders, such as landlords, housing associations, and health providers. Prepare to discuss strategies for building relationships and collaborating with external partners to deliver effective housing services.
