Housing Enablement Officer (12 month fixed term)

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our team to support safe hospital discharges and prevent avoidable admissions by identifying housing-related barriers to independence.

In this non-clinical role, you will review home environments to help people return home safely and remain there for as long as possible. You will work closely with hospital discharge teams, community health professionals, and housing colleagues to ensure housing issues are identified early and solutions are progressed without delay.

Key Responsibilities

• Home Assessment: Visit properties to identify hazards, access barriers, and fall risks. You will take accurate practical measurements and assess the need for adaptations.
• Coordination: Collaborate with Occupational Therapists (OT) and the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) team to coordinate solutions, ranging from simple aids (acting as a trusted assessor) to potential major works.
• Risk Management: Recognise and escalate wider risks, including fire safety issues, structural concerns, and cases of self-neglect or hoarding.
• Partnership Working: Represent the housing service at multi-disciplinary meetings and discharge planning discussions.
• Administration: Maintain clear, confidential case records and visit notes to support integrated pathways.

About You

You are an organised and collaborative individual with a calm, empathetic approach when working with anxious or vulnerable people.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience: Previous work within housing, health, or social care settings, with a strong understanding of how housing conditions affect safety and independence.
• Technical Knowledge: Awareness of aids, equipment, and adaptation pathways, with the ability to identify when DFG or OT intervention is required.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills, able to explain options clearly to customers and professionals alike.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to build relationships across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
• Organisation: Ability to manage a busy caseload, balance competing demands, and prioritise tasks effectively.

Due to the nature of the role the successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment checks.

This is a hybrid working role.

For an informal discussion regarding the position, please contact: Francis Casey: Email: francis.casey@thanet.gov.uk – Tel: 01843 543406 or Mark James Email: mark.james@thanet.gov.uk – Tel: 07799 036213