Homelessness Caseworker

LONDON BOROUGH OF HILLINGDON; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Travel Support

Job summary

London Borough of Hillingdon is transforming its Housing Needs and Homelessness Service and is seeking enthusiastic Homelessness Caseworkers to join our teams.

You will manage varied caseloads of residents homeless or threatened with homelessness, undertaking assessments, developing Personalised Housing Plans, delivering prevention and relief interventions, and supporting residents to secure sustainable housing.

Qualifications

• Experience in homelessness, housing, housing advice or a related field.
• Understand the Homelessness Reduction Act and homelessness prevention principles.
• Passionate about delivering excellent outcomes for residents.
• Able to manage a demanding caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality homelessness assessments and casework.
• Prevent and relieve homelessness through early intervention.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans.
• Support residents to access suitable housing options, including the private rented sector.
• Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners.
• Maintain legally compliant case records and decision-making.
• Contribute to reducing temporary accommodation use and increasing move-on outcomes.

Skills

Homelessness experience

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Resident-focused service

Job description

We are transforming our Housing Needs and Homelessness Service and are looking for enthusiastic, resident-focused Homelessness Caseworkers to join our growing teams.

We have opportunities within our:

• Family Homelessness Teams
• Single Homelessness Teams
• Domestic Abuse Team
• Move-On Teams

These roles are at the heart of our ambition to deliver a prevention-focused, high-performing homelessness service that improves outcomes for residents and reduces reliance on temporary accommodation.

As a Homelessness Caseworker, you will manage a varied caseload of residents who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will undertake assessments, develop Personalised Housing Plans, deliver prevention and relief interventions, and support residents to secure sustainable housing solutions.

Working within one of our specialist teams, you will:

• Deliver high-quality homelessness assessments and casework.
• Prevent and relieve homelessness through early intervention.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans.
• Support residents to access suitable housing options, including the private rented sector.
• Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners.
• Maintain legally compliant case records and decision-making.
• Contribute to reducing temporary accommodation use and increasing move-on outcomes.

About You

• Have experience working in homelessness, housing, housing advice or a related field.
• Understand the Homelessness Reduction Act and homelessness prevention principles.
• Are passionate about delivering excellent outcomes for residents.
• Can manage a demanding caseload and prioritise effectively.
• Have strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Are committed to delivering a resident-focused service.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an ambitious service transformation programme.
• Help shape a prevention-first homelessness service.
• Access learning, development and career progression opportunities.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Make a genuine difference to residents facing housing difficulties.

Please note: We have multiple positions available through this recruitment campaign. Depending on the position, appointments may be offered on either a permanent basis or a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note:Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.