At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and provide housing solutions for those in need.
- Company: Join a leading recruitment partnership with a personal touch.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing or homelessness roles and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Work in a diverse borough with excellent transport links.
Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer
Employer: Pertemps Recruitment Partnership (on behalf of London Borough of Harrow)
Location: Forward Drive, Harrow, HA3 8NT
Contract: Temporary – 6 months, possible extension
Pay Rate: £22.59 per hour PAYE
Pertemps Recruitment, in partnership with the London Borough of Harrow, is seeking a proactive Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer to join the Housing Services team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide housing advice via rota duties, interviews, duty line, and electronic enquiries.
- Deliver tailored support to homeless clients, assessing housing/financial needs and tenancy sustainability.
- Manage caseloads, conduct statutory assessments under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and meet deadlines.
- Build supportive relationships to empower clients towards independent housing solutions.
- Create and maintain Personal Housing Plans (PHPs), ensuring timely updates and council actions.
- Guide clients on rental markets, benefits, and housing options; assist with securing tenancies.
- Support resettlement by signposting to relevant agencies to help sustain tenancies.
Candidate Profile
- Strong knowledge of housing legislation, homelessness policy, and prevention tools.
- Understanding of housing benefit rules, supply/demand issues, and eviction/possession processes.
- Excellent customer service, investigative, and communication skills.
- Experience advising vulnerable clients, interviewing applicants, and handling sensitive information.
- Skilled in negotiation, advocacy, mediation, and accurate record-keeping.
- Ability to meet performance targets and interpret complex legislation quickly.
About us:
For almost 60 years, Pertemps Recruitment Partnership have been the market leader in providing permanent and temporary staffing solutions and we are one of the most established players within the recruitment industry. The Sunday Times has listed us as one of the Best 100 Companies to work for 14 years running. We are not a big scary faceless company, quite the opposite: we strongly believe in the personal touch with everything we do. We are proud to be accredited \’investor in people\’ which is reflected across our business in length of service and career progression of our employees.
London Borough of Harrow is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn
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Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer employer: Pertemps Network Group
Contact Detail:
Pertemps Network Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer
✨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 put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the London Borough of Harrow and their approach to homelessness prevention. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your case management skills! Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve successfully helped someone in a housing crisis. Be ready to share these examples during interviews to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your knowledge of housing legislation and case management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves working directly with individuals and families in crisis, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use examples in your application that showcase how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations.
Be Detail-Oriented: As a detail-oriented position, ensure your application is free from errors and clearly structured. Pay attention to the specifics of the job description and reflect that understanding in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure all your details are submitted correctly and you’ll be kept updated on your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertemps Network Group
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key housing legislation, especially the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss how this law impacts your role will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a varied caseload in previous roles. Highlight specific cases where your proactive approach made a difference in preventing homelessness or securing accommodation.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves working directly with individuals and families, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use role-play scenarios to simulate conversations you might have during the job, focusing on empathy and clarity.
✨Research the Local Area
Familiarise yourself with Harrow and its housing landscape. Understanding local resources, support services, and the community will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to connect with clients effectively.