At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by providing tailored housing advice and support to vulnerable customers.
- Company: Join a local authority in Redbridge dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and valuable experience in the housing sector.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: No mandatory qualifications needed; just a passion for helping others and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 29 £ per hour.
We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Redbridge to assist with the appointment of a Housing Solutions Officer, on a 3-month contract, likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration. Rate of Pay: £22.27 - £29.38 per hour.
The Housing Solutions Officer plays a key frontline role in preventing and relieving homelessness by providing high-quality housing advice, assessments, and interventions. Working with vulnerable customers, the post holder will assess housing needs, develop and deliver Personalised Housing Plans, and use proactive, solution-focused approaches to secure sustainable housing outcomes. The role operates within statutory frameworks including the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, while contributing to reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and associated costs.
Responsibilities:- Prevent and relieve homelessness by assessing housing need and delivering tailored housing advice and interventions.
- Conduct housing options interviews and homelessness assessments in line with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Develop, implement, and regularly review Personalised Housing Plans with customers.
- Investigate homeless applications, gather evidence, and make lawful, timely decisions.
- Negotiate with landlords, accommodation providers, and households to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
- Provide advice on a full range of housing options including social housing, private renting, supported housing, and resettlement options.
- Prepare and issue statutory decision letters (including Section 184 decisions).
- Request and manage temporary accommodation placements where required.
- No mandatory statutory qualification required.
- Educated to Level 4 or equivalent (e.g. NVQ Level 4, HND, BTEC Professional), or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Ongoing commitment to professional development and relevant training.
- Strong working knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related guidance.
- Experience providing housing advice or customer-focused casework in a frontline environment.
- Ability to assess complex housing circumstances and vulnerability, including links to the Care Act and Children Act.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal information clearly and sensitively.
- Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and problem-solve to achieve positive housing outcomes.
- Experience working with vulnerable customers and managing challenging or confrontational situations.
- Ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritise work, and meet statutory deadlines.
Please note: You should be available to work immediately or at short notice. You should have right to work in U.K. This role requires a Basic DBS.
Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford employer: Brackenberry
Contact Detail:
Brackenberry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation, especially the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to housing solutions to show you're ready to tackle the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging situations with vulnerable customers. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of the Housing Solutions Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Housing Solutions Officer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Housing Solutions Officer role. Highlight your experience with housing legislation and customer-focused casework, as these are key for us in this position.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your excellent communication skills and problem-solving abilities. We want to see how you can explain complex legal information clearly and sensitively, so give us examples!
Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience: Prepare to discuss your experience working with vulnerable customers and managing challenging situations. We’re looking for someone who can handle a caseload independently and meet deadlines, so share relevant stories.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website for immediate consideration. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brackenberry
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework you'll be working within, which is crucial for a Housing Solutions Officer.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully provided housing advice or managed complex cases. This will help demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role and your experience with vulnerable customers.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex legal information in simple terms. You might even want to role-play with a friend to get comfortable with discussing sensitive topics clearly and empathetically.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate or influence outcomes positively. Be prepared to discuss how you approach problem-solving, especially in challenging situations, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.