Housing Advisor in Maidstone

Housing Advisor – 3 Month Contract

Location: Trinity House, 20 Church Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LY

Rate: £20.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office Based, 2 Days Remote

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are looking for a seasoned Housing Advisor to become part of our dynamic Housing Options and Homelessness team in Maidstone. This role is ideal for a housing expert with substantial experience in homelessness, offering a chance to provide crucial advice and support to residents facing housing challenges. You will be responsible for evaluating homelessness applications, managing a portfolio of households in temporary housing, and actively working towards favorable housing outcomes. Given that many of the households we assist are affected by domestic abuse, a deep understanding of its effects on homelessness is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive housing advice and guidance to residents with housing issues.
  
• Evaluate housing situations and discuss appropriate housing options.
  
• Investigate and make determinations on homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
  
• Oversee a caseload of applicants in temporary housing under the Relief Duty.
  
• Advance homelessness cases to suitable resolutions, including:
  • Main Housing Duty decisions
    
  • Intentional Homelessness decisions
    
  • Non-Priority Need decisions
    
• Develop and execute Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Conduct inquiries and collect evidence to support statutory decisions.
  
• Coordinate with landlords, support agencies, accommodation providers, and other stakeholders.
  
• Offer advice and support to vulnerable households.
  
• Maintain precise case records and ensure adherence to legislation and local procedures.
  
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an effective Housing Options service.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Experience in a Housing Options, Homelessness, or Housing Advice setting.
  
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996 Part VII
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  • Homelessness legislation and statutory guidance
    
• Experience in assessing homelessness applications and making related decisions.
  
• Experience in managing homelessness caseloads.
  
• Strong understanding of temporary accommodation processes.
  
• Knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on homelessness.
  
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families.
  

Desirable

• Experience with Local Authority Housing Options.
  
• Experience managing Relief Duty cases.
  
• Knowledge of safeguarding and support pathways.
  
• Experience using homelessness case management systems.
  

What's on Offer?

• £20.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office / 2 Days Remote
  
• Location: Maidstone, Kent
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on vulnerable households.
  
• Join a supportive and experienced Housing Options team.
  
• Engage with a diverse caseload focused on homelessness prevention and housing solutions.
  

This position is suitable for individuals with experience as a Housing Advisor, Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Housing Solutions Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, or Prevention Officer.