Homeless Prevention Officer

Vivid Resourcing Ltd; Pulborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing advisory organization in Pulborough is seeking individuals dedicated to preventing homelessness. The role involves working with clients to assess their housing needs, responding to referrals, and collaborating with housing associations to provide tailored solutions. A commitment to equality of opportunity is essential. Relevant experience in housing advice and legislation is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Receive applications for assistance from persons threatened with homelessness.
• Respond to referrals from public bodies to prevent homelessness.
• Work closely with Housing Association landlords for referrals.
• Assess housing needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Carry out home visits to mediate between at-risk households.
• Promote equality of opportunity in service delivery.

Job description

Overview

Homelessness Prevention and Housing Advice

Seek to prevent homelessness arising wherever possible by working with people at risk of becoming homeless, ensuring that timely advice and assistance is provided on a range of complex issues, using innovative and cost effective solutions to support a preventative approach to homelessness. Thereby minimising the impact to the client and the Council.

Receive applications for assistance from persons who may be threatened with homelessness, taking all action required or appropriate in accordance with the homelessness legislation. This will include making decisions in consultation with senior Housing Needs staff regarding the Council's prevention duties to such applicants under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Respond to and deal with referrals received from public bodies in relation to those who may be threatened with homelessness under the "Duty to Refer" in a timely and effective manner in order to prevent homelessness as detailed above.

Work closely with Housing Association landlords to ensure "commitment to refer" is complied with, so that proactive early intervention work is undertaken, resulting in effective homelessness prevention from social housing.

Assess the client's housing needs and identify problems causing potential homelessness and provide tailored solutions, advice and assistance to enable them to sustain their existing accommodation or achieve a planned move to alternative accommodation whilst managing their expectations around the solutions available.

Carry out home visits where appropriate in an attempt to mediate between households who are at risk of homelessness.

Equality of opportunity: Vivid Resourcing are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law

Responsibilities

• Receive applications for assistance from persons who may be threatened with homelessness, taking all action required or appropriate in accordance with homelessness legislation, including decisions in consultation with senior Housing Needs staff under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Respond to and deal with referrals from public bodies related to those who may be threatened with homelessness under the Duty to Refer in a timely and effective manner to prevent homelessness.
• Work closely with Housing Association landlords to ensure "commitment to refer" is complied with, enabling proactive early intervention to prevent homelessness from social housing.
• Assess the client's housing needs, identify problems causing potential homelessness, and provide tailored solutions, advice and assistance to help sustain existing accommodation or achieve a planned move to alternative accommodation while managing expectations about available solutions.
• Carry out home visits where appropriate to mediate between households at risk of homelessness.
• Promote equality of opportunity in recruitment and employment and support an inclusive approach to service delivery.