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- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by providing tailored housing advice and support to individuals in crisis.
- Company: Join a dedicated Housing Needs Service team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and the chance to make a positive social impact.
- Why this job: Empower vulnerable individuals while developing your skills in advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and knowledge of homelessness legislation is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional out-of-hours work to support urgent cases.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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.
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 nuances of these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in homelessness prevention or housing services. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising your responses to questions about crisis intervention and mediation. Being able to articulate your approach to these situations will showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in homelessness prevention. This knowledge can help you discuss relevant issues during your interview, showing that you are proactive and informed about the field.
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: Highlight your relevant experience in managing homelessness caseloads and delivering housing advice. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of housing legislation and your ability to support vulnerable households.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for helping individuals in housing crises. Mention your advocacy and negotiation skills, and how they align with the council's goals of preventing and relieving homelessness.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure your application is free from spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
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 work and provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience managing caseloads and delivering tailored housing advice. Highlight specific cases where you successfully prevented homelessness and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent written and verbal communication, prepare to showcase your ability to communicate effectively with clients, landlords, and external partners. Consider sharing examples of how you've navigated complex conversations or negotiations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your crisis intervention and mediation skills. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them, focusing on your problem-solving approach and empathy.
