Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer

Corus Consultancy; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in London seeks a dedicated individual to provide high-quality homelessness prevention support. The role involves advising clients on housing rights, negotiating with landlords, and maintaining detailed case records. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and negotiation skills, along with a solid understanding of homelessness legislation. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact in the community by helping vulnerable individuals secure stable housing.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of homelessness legislation and case law.
• Experience in a demanding front line service in a housing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential advice on housing rights and obligations.
• Negotiate with landlords and lenders to prevent homelessness.
• Maintain accurate case notes and reports.

Skills

ICT Skills

Interviewing Skills

Communication Skills

Negotiating Skills

Conflict Management

Job description

Purpose for the Role

To provide a comprehensive, high-quality homeless prevention, support, and advice service to all households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

To conduct assessment services for customers to determine the duties owed by the authority and explore alternative housing options.

To demonstrate thorough knowledge of homelessness legislation and case law, with practical experience in preventing homelessness and making statutory decisions.

To develop specialized knowledge and skills to deliver a flexible, responsive housing needs service that adapts to changing demands and customer pressures.

To maintain accurate casework and data records, report on performance as required, and ensure clarity and accessibility of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

• To prevent and resolve homelessness by providing confidential, impartial advice about housing rights and obligations, both in-office and at other locations.
• To promote and deliver the homeless prevention agenda by identifying suitable housing options and utilizing prevention tools like DHP to resolve accommodation issues within set timeframes.
• To maintain detailed, accurate case notes, update records, handle correspondence, and respond to enquiries efficiently to progress cases.
• To provide advice and practical support regarding security of tenure across all types, including matrimonial rights, and attend court as needed to prevent homelessness.
• To investigate landlord and tenant disputes, including harassment and illegal eviction allegations, and negotiate with involved parties to prevent homelessness.
• To offer information on debt counseling, money advice, welfare benefits, and prioritize debts, referring clients to appropriate services like DWP, Housing Benefit, or CAB.
• To negotiate with landlords, banks, lenders, estate agents, and solicitors on behalf of clients with rent or mortgage arrears.
• To assess vulnerable customers' support and housing needs, including risks to themselves and others.
• To refer vulnerable clients to supported accommodation and develop move-on pathways.
• To liaise with statutory services that may owe duties to vulnerable customers under legislation other than homelessness acts.
• To respond to member enquiries and draft responses to complaints or enquiries on individual cases.
• To provide performance statistical data as required.
• To participate in supervision, team meetings, and contribute to service development.
• To handle administrative tasks, including record keeping, file maintenance, and responding to enquiries from customers and agencies.

Knowledge

Up-to-date knowledge of relevant case law related to homelessness and its application.

Knowledge of Landlord & Tenant Legislation, the Housing Act 1985, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Knowledge of homeless prevention initiatives, their application, and effectiveness.

Understanding of the welfare benefit system and its application.

Knowledge of statutory and voluntary agencies providing relevant advice and assistance under various legislation and tenures.

Understanding of tenancy agreements across all tenures.

Skills

Strong ICT skills, proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, and bespoke databases.

Excellent interviewing skills for extracting relevant information and conducting accurate assessments.

Effective communication skills at all levels.

Negotiation skills with various parties, including agencies and colleagues.

Strong written skills for producing detailed reports and correspondence.

Ability to manage conflict and stress effectively.

Experience

Experience in composing legally robust S184 decision letters.

Experience in producing detailed reports and professional correspondence.

Experience working in a demanding frontline housing service.

Experience in frontline interviewing and handling confrontational situations.

Experience supporting vulnerable clients.

Experience advising on welfare benefits to resolve housing issues.

Experience working as part of a busy team and managing caseloads independently.

Experience advocating with statutory and voluntary agencies and the public.