At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and secure housing solutions for those in need.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on making a difference in West London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a diverse caseload and supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong knowledge of housing legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 29412 - 35948 £ per year.
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.
If you have experience delivering statutory homelessness services and are looking for your next contract opportunity, we would like to hear from you.
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Housing Needs Officer employer: R&R Housing
As a Registered Building Inspector (Class 2F) with us, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring safety and compliance in the built environment across London. We offer a competitive rate, a hybrid working pattern, and a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Needs Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Needs Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at R&R Housing
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from R&R Housing.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show R&R Housing that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
