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- Tasks: Help individuals facing housing crises with tailored advice and support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Carrington West, focused on homelessness prevention.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience while making a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable households and work collaboratively with various services for social impact.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing legislation and experience in managing homelessness cases are essential.
- Other info: Flexible opportunities available; we welcome applications from all levels.
We are seeking an experienced and committed Homelessness Prevention and Relief Officer to join a busy Housing Needs Service team. You will be responsible for delivering the council's statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 by preventing and relieving homelessness for those who approach the service.
The successful candidate will provide intensive, person-centred housing advice, empowering individuals to find sustainable solutions to their housing crises while minimising the use of temporary accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of clients experiencing a housing crisis, delivering timely, tailored interventions.
- Complete Personal Housing Plans (PHPs) and maintain active reviews and updates.
- Provide advice on housing options, the private rented sector, and Local Housing Allowance rates.
- Negotiate with landlords and family/friends to prevent eviction and sustain tenancies.
- Attend court hearings as necessary to support tenants with housing defence cases.
- Maintain detailed records, complete statutory homelessness assessments, and issue relevant decision letters under s.184 Housing Act 1996.
- Work closely with external partners and internal services such as Social Services, Mental Health Services, and Domestic Abuse teams.
- Conduct home visits and outreach work both within and outside the borough.
- Maintain a detailed working knowledge of homelessness legislation, welfare benefits, and relevant case law.
About You
- Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996, and related legislation.
- Experience of managing homelessness caseloads and delivering housing advice in a local authority setting.
- Confident in advocacy, mediation, negotiation, and crisis intervention.
- Able to manage a diverse workload with minimal supervision and meet statutory deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and IT communication skills.
- Customer-focused with a commitment to supporting vulnerable households.
- Ability to maintain professionalism when dealing with sensitive or complex cases.
- Willingness to undertake occasional out-of-hours emergency duties if required.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.
If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
Homelessness Prevention Officer employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and related legislation. Understanding the legal framework will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨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. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about past experiences where you've successfully managed a caseload or resolved a housing crisis, as these examples will showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific council or organisation you're applying to. Understanding their approach to homelessness prevention and relief can help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Homelessness Prevention Officer. Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the key duties outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing homelessness caseloads and delivering housing advice. Emphasise your knowledge of housing legislation and any advocacy or negotiation skills you possess.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping vulnerable households. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the criteria listed in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are clear and professional. This reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Housing Act 1996. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your approach to preventing homelessness and how you would apply them in real-life scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your previous experience managing homelessness caseloads and delivering housing advice. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to handle complex cases and provide effective solutions.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Advocacy Skills
As a Homelessness Prevention Officer, you'll be working with vulnerable individuals. Be ready to discuss how you advocate for clients, negotiate with landlords, and mediate disputes while maintaining professionalism.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your crisis intervention skills. Think about past situations where you've successfully resolved housing crises and be ready to explain your thought process and actions taken.
