Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer

Carrington West; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the housing sector is seeking an experienced Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer to join their Housing Needs team. This role focuses on providing essential support to vulnerable residents, ensuring legal duties are met with compassion. The position offers flexible hybrid working and involves tasks such as tailored housing advice, assessments, and liaising with partners to secure accommodation. Candidates should possess solid knowledge of homelessness legislation and strong negotiation skills. If you are passionate about making a difference, apply today!

Qualifications

• Experience issuing S184 decisions and managing complex housing caseloads.
• Frontline housing advice experience in a local authority or similar environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored housing advice and homelessness prevention support to at-risk households.
• Complete assessments in line with housing legislation.
• Negotiate with landlords to prevent homelessness.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Knowledge of homelessness legislation

Job description

My client is seeking an experienced Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer to join a proactive Housing Needs team. The role involves addressing homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, and ensuring legal compliance with compassion and professionalism.

This is a contract position with flexible hybrid working, focusing on prevention-focused casework and statutory housing support.

The Role

1. Provide tailored housing advice and homelessness prevention support to at-risk households.
2. Complete assessments in accordance with Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
3. Draft and issue S184 decision letters that are accurate, timely, and legally compliant.
4. Prevent homelessness by negotiating with landlords, supporting tenancy sustainment, and utilizing tools like Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).
5. Advise on housing rights, security of tenure, welfare benefits, and legal remedies.
6. Handle cases involving illegal evictions or harassment, intervening or referring as appropriate.
7. Liaise with internal teams and external partners to secure accommodation and support for vulnerable clients.

Key Requirements

• Solid knowledge of homelessness legislation, Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
• Experience issuing S184 decisions and managing complex housing caseloads.
• Frontline housing advice experience in a local authority or similar environment.
• Strong negotiation, written, and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of welfare benefits and housing-related support services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.
• Willingness to carry out home visits, court appearances, or work from various locations as required.

How to Apply

If interested and meeting the criteria, please send your application today. For questions about the vacancy, click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote

If your skills match but the rate, location, or seniority do not, feel free to send your CV. We recruit for similar roles UK-wide and would be pleased to discuss your employment status confidentially.

Even if satisfied in your current role, we welcome calls from housing professionals seeking future connections. Our team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience. For more info, contact Zubair at 02393 876065.

By applying, you consent to Carrington West processing your data according to our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with relevant third-party clients. You may withdraw consent anytime by contacting us.