Overview
Housing Needs Officer: We are recruiting for a Housing Needs Officer to deliver statutory homelessness and housing options services. This role will focus on preventing and relieving homelessness, carrying out assessments under housing legislation, managing a varied caseload and securing suitable housing solutions, including through the Private Rented Sector.
Region: West London
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week office-based, 3 days hybrid
Contract Length: 12 months
Key Responsibilities
- Assess applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Complete statutory homelessness assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
- Deliver prevention and relief duties in line with legislation and statutory guidance.
- Work with landlords, lenders, family members and partner agencies to prevent homelessness and sustain existing accommodation.
- Secure suitable housing solutions, including social housing, supported accommodation and the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
- Assess eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentional homelessness and local connection.
- Make legally compliant statutory decisions supported by evidence.
- Prepare Section 184 decision letters, prevention and relief notices, duty-end letters and other statutory correspondence.
- Promote the Private Rented Sector as a housing option and build relationships with landlords and letting agents.
- Support applicants with tenancy sustainment, affordability assessments and financial assistance schemes.
- Provide advice on housing options, tenancy rights, welfare benefits and Universal Credit.
- Manage a diverse caseload, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with statutory timescales.
- Deliver a frontline Housing Options Duty Service, assessing emergency presentations and arranging emergency accommodation where required. Identify safeguarding concerns and make referrals in line with safeguarding procedures.
Skills and Experience
- Experience delivering homelessness and housing options services within a local authority.
- Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Homelessness Code of Guidance.
- Experience completing homelessness assessments and producing Personalised Housing Plans.
- Experience making statutory homelessness decisions and issuing Section 184 decision letters.
- Knowledge of the Private Rented Sector, tenancy law and housing options.
- Experience managing complex caseloads and working to statutory deadlines.
- Understanding of welfare benefits, Universal Credit and affordability assessments.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and supporting vulnerable households.
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to produce accurate case records and legally compliant documentation.
