Housing Law Caseworker (North West Wales) in Denbigh

Location: Rhyl or Felinheli with the option of hybrid working following successful probation period.

Background to the post:

As a Housing Law Caseworker you will be part of a team who provide a National Housing Advice Service through a mixture of centre, court and surgery based services. The delivery and development of National Housing Advice services is one of the primary means by which Shelter Cymru fulfils its aims and objectives of preventing homelessness and improving bad housing conditions. You will be expected to make a significant contribution to the successful delivery and development of these services.

The main activities of the team are:

• The delivery of high quality and cost effective national housing advice and advocacy services to people in housing need.
• The development and promotion of our services to potential partners and funders.
• To work in a collaborative and constructive way with other services, local authorities and RSLs in the best interest of our users.
• The identification and promotion of housing policy initiatives.
• The promotion of best practice in housing policy and management through the provision of training and other information channels.

You will deliver advice surgeries, provide advice and representation at court for people with housing possession hearings and other advice services as required across the North West Wales region which covers Ynys Mon, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire. Delivery venues may vary as operational requirements dictate.

Job Summary / Purpose:

To deliver and develop high quality, cost effective housing rights advice and advocacy services to people in housing need with a focus on preventing homelessness where applicable and improving peoples’ housing conditions. Also to contribute to the promotion of housing policy initiatives and best practice and to work in a constructive and collaborative way with other services, including local authorities and housing associations when it is in the best interest of our users.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide appropriate legal advice, information and where necessary, practical help, to members of public whether by visit, telephone, letter or email and where necessary, to advocate on behalf of clients in the appropriate forums.
• Provide advice and advocacy at court to people facing housing possession proceedings.
• Provide flexible cover, as appropriate for advice sessions, including court duty across a number of local authority areas.
• Ensure that all casework records are kept up-to-date, accessible to other staff and that all local casework information systems are maintained effectively and accurately.
• Identify all cases that qualify for legal aid and ensure that the necessary procedures are followed and recording systems maintained.
• Actively participate in file review meetings and all other evaluation structures designed to maintain and improve the quality and standards of casework provision.
• Identify opportunities to effect positive change to housing policy in Wales and pursue such opportunities in liaison with the line manager and other staff.
• Engage positively and constructively with other services, including local authorities and housing associations, where it is in the best interest of our users and maintain good local relationships in line with agreed partnership protocols.
• Participate in policy meetings and ensure that work in progress is communicated to other relevant staff.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to promote the housing rights service to other agencies and potential funders.
• Assist in the development of team work plans, within the overall planning procedure, and to be responsible for individual performance against agreed team objectives.
• Participate in policy conferences, seminars and events and to respond to requests for information from the media in consultation with the line manager and other relevant staff.
• Make a contribution to the public training programme and to undertake speaking engagements with outside groups as agreed with the line manager.

General:

• To support the work of volunteers and other placements as requested.
• Participate as and when required in team and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, relevant to the role.
• Ensure, in the course of employment, complete confidentiality is maintained in respect of the Charity, its dealings, transactions, affairs and all other information relating to clients, participants, associates, staff and other subsidiaries etc.
• Keep up to date with developments within Shelter Cymru and other sector-wide practices, which influence the day-to-day activities within the role, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and any other relevant internal/external factor(s).
• Ensure all activities comply with appropriate legal requirements and with Shelter Cymru policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of Shelter Cymru and the implementation of its Equal Opportunities policy and Welsh Language Scheme in the workplace.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined, you must be prepared to undertake such additional duties which may result from changing circumstances, but which may not of necessity change the general character or level of responsibility to the post. As the post may involve working with vulnerable people, your employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Scheme check.