At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide homelessness prevention and housing advice to support vulnerable households.
- Company: Join LB Redbridge, a dynamic local authority in London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £30.38 per hour and valuable experience in public service.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a supportive team with career development potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by preventing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
The Housing Solutions Officer will provide a comprehensive homelessness prevention and housing advice service in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and associated legislation. The role focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible by delivering proactive interventions, assessing housing needs, negotiating sustainable housing solutions, and supporting vulnerable households to secure and maintain suitable accommodation. The successful candidate will manage a caseload of customers threatened with homelessness or already homeless, ensuring statutory duties are fulfilled while delivering high standards of customer service and case management.
Key Responsibilities
- Homelessness Prevention & Relief
- Deliver a customer-focused homelessness prevention and housing options service.
- Assess homelessness applications and determine duties owed under relevant housing legislation.
- Conduct detailed housing needs assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
- Work proactively with customers to prevent or relieve homelessness.
- Provide advice on:
- Temporary accommodation
- Private rented sector options
- Housing register applications
- Welfare benefits and affordability
- Tenancy sustainment
- Family mediation and housing rights
- Negotiate with landlords, agents, family members, and support agencies to prevent homelessness.
- Identify appropriate housing solutions tailored to individual customer needs.
- Case Management
- Manage a complex caseload of homelessness and housing needs cases.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic case records.
- Ensure all statutory decisions and notifications are issued within required timescales.
- Make legally robust decisions in line with housing legislation and case law.
- Monitor and review customer progress against agreed housing plans.
- Conduct safeguarding referrals where necessary.
- Refer customers to specialist support services including mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and social care services.
- Temporary Accommodation & Housing Supply
- Assess suitability and affordability of accommodation offers.
- Liaise with Temporary Accommodation and Housing Supply teams regarding placements.
- Work to minimise the use of temporary accommodation and reduce associated costs.
- Support customers to access sustainable long-term housing options.
- Partnership Working
- Develop effective working relationships with:
- Internal housing teams
- Adult and Children's Social Care
- Landlords and letting agents
- Health professionals
- Voluntary sector organisations
- Legal representatives and advocates
- Represent the service professionally in meetings and case discussions.
- Performance & Compliance
- Meet individual and team performance targets.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Housing Act 1996
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Equality Act 2010
- Data protection and safeguarding requirements
- Council policies and procedures
- Prepare reports, case summaries, and responses to complaints or member enquiries.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives and best practice development.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Essential Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of:
- Housing Act 1996 Part VI and VII
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Homelessness Code of Guidance
- Welfare benefits and housing affordability
- Landlord and tenant legislation
- Temporary accommodation processes
- Safeguarding responsibilities
- Experience working within homelessness prevention, housing options, or housing needs services.
- Experience managing complex housing casework.
- Experience working with vulnerable households and customers in crisis.
- Experience conducting interviews, assessments, and support planning.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong case management and organisational abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply housing legislation.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Good IT skills and experience maintaining electronic records.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with stakeholders and partners.
- Experience working within a London local authority housing service.
- Knowledge of housing management systems such as Jigsaw, Northgate, or Locata.
- Experience working with complex safeguarding or multi-agency cases.
Key Performance Outcomes
- Homelessness prevented or relieved
- Reduction in use of temporary accommodation
- Statutory decision targets achieved
- High-quality customer outcomes
- Effective case resolution and tenancy sustainment
- Positive customer service feedback
Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer.
Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford employer: Morgan Hunt UK Limited
LB Redbridge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Ilford, where you can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable households. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises high standards of customer service while ensuring compliance with housing legislation, all within a supportive and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and case management. Practice answering common questions related to homelessness prevention and customer service to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that match your skills and passion. Use our website to find positions that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your commitment to providing excellent housing solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Officer in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Housing Solutions Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've successfully managed complex cases or provided housing advice. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Hunt UK Limited
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your approach to homelessness prevention and housing advice, as this will show your understanding of the role's legal framework.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully managed complex housing cases. Highlight your organisational abilities and how you maintained accurate records, as this is crucial for the Housing Solutions Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to negotiate with landlords and support agencies, so showcasing your excellent communication skills during the interview will be key to demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving vulnerable households or complex casework, and be ready to explain your thought process.
