Homelessness And Housing Advice Officer

Overview

Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer
London Borough of Hillingdon
£28 per hour (umbrella) | 3+ months contract (potential to extend)

The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking an experienced Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer to join our Housing Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of residents by providing professional, responsive, and personalised housing advice and support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality housing advice and options to residents, supporting them to make informed choices and prevent homelessness.
• Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Manage a complex caseload, ensuring timely and accurate casework and record-keeping.
• Support residents at risk of losing their homes through early intervention, tenancy sustainment, and signposting to appropriate services.
• Work closely with colleagues across Housing, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and external partners to provide a seamless service.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with private landlords and agents to secure sustainable accommodation options.
• Respond sensitively to vulnerable residents, including those at risk of harm, safeguarding adults and children where appropriate.
• Contribute to the delivery of homelessness strategies, service improvement initiatives, and housing policy development.

Candidate Profile

• Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related case law.
• Proven experience of managing homelessness prevention and housing options casework.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with residents, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and risk management.
• Commitment to the Council\\\’s vision of \”putting our residents first\” by delivering customer-focused services.

Working Arrangements

• Office-based induction period: 2-4 weeks (depending on competency).
• Hybrid working: Following induction, candidates should expect to be office-based 50% of the time.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.