At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage homelessness cases and support residents in understanding their housing options.
- Company: Local Authority focused on community welfare and housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving community housing outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure stable housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing management and knowledge of homelessness legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
3 Month Contract with a Local Authority
Job Purpose
To manage homelessness cases through to the lawful cessation of statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The role is responsible for assessing evidence, making legally compliant decisions, issuing statutory notifications, and ensuring residents understand their housing options, rights, and responsibilities. Working within the Housing Needs Service, the postholder will support the Council's objective of reducing reliance on temporary accommodation through robust case management, high-quality decision-making, and collaborative working with internal services and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of homelessness applications and cases through to the lawful conclusion of housing duties.
- Assess evidence, case histories, and housing circumstances to determine when statutory duties can be ended.
- Prepare and issue clear, accurate, and legally compliant statutory notifications and decision letters.
- Ensure all decisions are fully documented, evidence-based, and capable of withstanding review or legal challenge.
- Maintain and update Personal Housing Plans (PHPs), ensuring actions and outcomes are accurately recorded.
- Work proactively with applicants to encourage acceptance of suitable accommodation offers and sustainable housing solutions.
- Identify safeguarding concerns, vulnerabilities, and risks, escalating cases appropriately and participating in multi-agency responses where required.
- Communicate complex housing decisions clearly, sensitively, and professionally to residents and stakeholders.
- Support residents by providing advice on housing options, tenancy rights, welfare benefits, and support services.
- Maintain accurate case records and audit trails in line with statutory, operational, and information governance requirements.
- Work closely with Housing colleagues, Legal Services, Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
- Prepare case files and supporting documentation for reviews, complaints, and legal proceedings when required.
- Contribute to service improvement by identifying trends, sharing learning, and participating in training and continuous professional development activities.
- Apply trauma-informed and resident-centred approaches in all interactions and decision-making.
Requirements
Essential
- Experience managing homelessness, housing options, or other frontline housing caseloads.
- Good knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly duties under Sections 188 and 193 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience making statutory housing decisions and preparing written notifications or case records.
- Strong understanding of housing options, welfare benefits, tenancy law, and landlord and tenant responsibilities.
- Ability to analyse information, assess risk, and make balanced, evidence-based decisions.
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to produce clear and legally defensible correspondence.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and challenging conversations professionally and empathetically.
- Experience working with vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, mental ill-health, or exploitation.
- Experience maintaining accurate records and using housing or case management systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partner agencies, and stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and trauma-informed practice.
Desirable
- Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Housing, Advice & Guidance, or a related discipline.
- Membership of, or willingness to work towards membership of, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
- Experience within a local authority homelessness or housing needs service.
- Knowledge of the Renters' Rights Act and current housing legislation developments.
- Understanding of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) principles.
- Experience preparing cases for reviews, legal challenges, or appeals.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in housing, homelessness, safeguarding, or related fields.
Additional Information
Location: Housing Needs Service
Hours per Week: 35 Hours
Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Cessation OF Duty Officer in Lambeth employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
As a Cessation of Duty Officer with the Local Authority, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents facing homelessness. The role offers a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional development, ensuring you have the resources and training needed to excel in your position. With a focus on equality, diversity, and trauma-informed practices, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful change while enjoying a stable contract and competitive benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cessation OF Duty Officer in Lambeth
✨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 Cessation OF Duty Officer in Lambeth
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 Civic Recruitment Limited
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited 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.
