Homeless Prevention Caseworker

Cornwall Council Jobs and Careers; England; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornwall Council is seeking an experienced homelessness prevention officer for an 18-month fixed-term role. You will manage a varied caseload, assess statutory duties under homelessness legislation, and develop personalised housing plans to help applicants avoid or resolve homelessness.

This customer-facing role requires strong communication, problem-solving and negotiation skills. Hybrid working from Cornwall offices and home, with some travel and a DBS check.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client-facing work.
• Ability to analyse information, make decisions and manage a caseload.
• Experience with case management and housing or welfare services is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload and develop Personalised Housing Plans.
• Assess statutory duties under homelessness legislation and issue decision letters.
• Collaborate with social care, probation and health services to coordinate support.
• Negotiate with landlords and providers to secure housing solutions.
• Maintain accurate case records and meet statutory deadlines.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Negotiation

IT proficiency

Resilience

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

Please note there is only one 18 month fixed term vacancy that is still available for this role.

The Service & Team:

This position is part of the Homeless Prevention Service, committed to reducing homelessness and delivering tailored support to individuals and families in need. In this role, you will manage a caseload, assess statutory duties under homelessness legislation, and work closely with applicants to identify solutions and resolve their housing challenges.

The Role Includes:

• Casework Management
  You will hold a varied caseload, working with individuals and families who are threatened with or already experiencing homelessness. This includes conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and creating Personalised Housing Plans tailored to each applicant’s needs.
• Assessing Statutory Duties & Making Legal Decisions
  You’ll assess applications under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) to determine what legal duties the Council owes. This involves issuing statutory decision letters, ensuring compliance with legislation, case law, and local policies.
• Supporting People in Times of Crisis
  Many applicants will be in vulnerable situations, such as fleeing domestic abuse, leaving prison, or facing mental health challenges. You’ll provide empathetic, practical support, liaise with partner agencies, and explore all options to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration
  Work closely with statutory and voluntary agencies, such as social care, probation, and health services, to coordinate support and secure sustainable housing solutions.
• Problem-Solving & Advocacy
  You’ll negotiate with landlords, housing providers, and other stakeholders to resolve disputes, prevent evictions, and secure accommodation. This includes advising on tenancy rights, welfare benefits, and alternative housing options.
• Compliance & Record-Keeping
  Maintain accurate case records, prepare reports, and ensure all actions meet statutory deadlines and quality standards.

This is a customer-facing role, and therefore the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check will be required for this position.

Working Pattern:

Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Hybrid working arrangement combining home and office-based work, with an expectation to attend the offices (throughout Cornwall) and work alongside the Homeless Prevention teams at least two days per week.

Face to face client work will be required

Driving licence will be required

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Strong Communication Skills – Ability to engage with customers in a compassionate and professional manner, even in challenging situations.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Skilled at analysing information, making sound decisions, and finding practical solutions under pressure.
• Organisational Skills – Able to manage a busy caseload, prioritise tasks, and meet statutory deadlines.
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution – Confident in negotiating with landlords, agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• IT Proficiency – Comfortable using Microsoft Office and case management systems to maintain accurate records and reports.
• Resilience & Adaptability – Ability to work flexibly and remain calm in crisis situations.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Work effectively with colleagues and external partners to deliver joined-up support.

Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation is essential — but don’t worry if you’re not an expert yet! Come with a willingness to learn, and we’ll provide full training and support to help you develop the technical knowledge you need.

Please read the role profile for the full details of this role attached below in this advert

What you’ll get in return:

Cornwall Council’s ambition is to be an employer of choice, a high performing Council and a learning organisation. We commit to providing a reward and benefits package to attract, motivate and reward our employees. We offer a range of flexible working options to our staff. This helps provide our employees with a greater work/life balance. Whilst still ensuring that service needs are met.

Our core employee rewards and benefits include:

• a competitive salary.
• a defined benefit pension scheme, based on your career average earnings. This includes the option for extra voluntary contributions
• a generous annual leave entitlement with the potential to purchase additional leave.
• A national award-winning employee health and wellbeing programme
• Employee benefits scheme giving employees access to a wide range of discounts to local and national goods and services.

Additional Information:

Cornwall Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship or transfer existing sponsorship for this role.

The full role profile is attached here

We recommend saving a copy of this to refer to if you are invited to an interview.

For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Charlotte Mitchell- [e-mail]