At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and provide housing advice to those in need.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Redbridge, making a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital mission to support vulnerable individuals and families.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing legislation and experience with vulnerable clients preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36840 - 40000 £ per year.
The Housing Solutions Officer will provide a comprehensive homelessness prevention and housing advice service in line with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII), the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation. The role focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible by assessing housing need, delivering early interventions, and supporting individuals and families to secure and maintain suitable accommodation. The postholder will manage a caseload of households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, ensuring statutory duties are met and high-quality casework is delivered.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a homelessness prevention and housing options service focused on sustainable housing solutions.
- Undertake homelessness assessments and determine statutory duties under relevant legislation.
- Complete housing needs assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
- Provide advice on temporary accommodation, private rented sector options, welfare benefits, housing register applications, and tenancy sustainment.
- Negotiate with landlords, families, and partner agencies to prevent or relieve homelessness.
- Manage a complex caseload, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
- Ensure statutory decisions and notifications are issued within required timescales.
- Work with safeguarding teams and refer vulnerable clients to appropriate support services.
- Liaise with internal housing teams, social care, landlords, and voluntary sector partners.
- Assess suitability and affordability of accommodation and support access to long-term housing solutions.
Requirements
- Knowledge of housing legislation including Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience in homelessness prevention, housing options, or housing needs casework.
- Experience managing a caseload of vulnerable clients.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and decision‑making skills.
- Ability to interpret legislation and produce accurate case records and decisions.
- Good understanding of safeguarding and multi‑agency working.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
Key Outcomes
- Prevention and relief of homelessness.
- Reduction in use of temporary accommodation.
- Timely and legally compliant case decisions.
- Effective housing solutions and positive customer outcomes.
Housing Solutions Officer – AR in London employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
The London Borough of Redbridge is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a Housing Solutions Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community by preventing homelessness and providing vital housing advice, all while benefiting from a collaborative environment and access to ongoing training and growth opportunities.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer – AR in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Officer – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Carrington Blake Recruitment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
