Homefinder Officer in Harlow

Position: Homefinder Officer

Location: Harlow

Rate: £17.71 per hour, weekly pay

Contract: Temp, 3 months contract

We are recruiting on behalf of Harlow Council for a Homefinder Officer to join their Housing Service on a temporary basis. This is a front line role focused on managing housing applications from registration through to allocation, including temporary accommodation placements.

The role

You will be responsible for the day to day management of housing register applications, internal transfers, mutual exchanges and homeless placements.

Key responsibilities include

• Assessing and processing Homeseeker applications in line with legislation and council policy
• Managing internal transfer and mutual exchange cases
• Allocating temporary accommodation including council owned and externally provided options
• Arranging bed and breakfast placements where no alternative is available
• Interviewing applicants and providing clear, practical housing advice
• Processing medical assessments linked to housing applications
• Carrying out home visits where required
• Working closely with housing colleagues, other council teams and external agencies

What we are looking for

• Experience in a front line local authority housing service
• Strong knowledge of Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996
• Good understanding of homelessness legislation
• Working knowledge of landlord and tenant law, immigration and asylum legislation, matrimonial law and the Children Act
• Ability to carry out home visits including outside normal working hours
• Full driving licence and access to your own vehicle or suitable transport

This role would suit someone confident managing complex housing cases, balancing demand and delivering a professional service to residents.