Homelessness Prevention Officer

Carrington West; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated Housing Needs Service team as a Homelessness Prevention and Relief Officer, where you will play a crucial role in delivering vital housing support. This position involves managing a diverse caseload and providing person-centred advice to empower individuals facing housing crises. You will work closely with external partners and maintain a thorough understanding of homelessness legislation to ensure effective interventions. If you are passionate about making a difference in the community and have the skills to navigate complex housing situations, this role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute positively to people's lives.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of homelessness legislation and local authority housing advice.
• Experience managing caseloads and delivering tailored interventions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clients facing housing crises with timely interventions.
• Provide housing advice and negotiate with landlords to prevent evictions.

Skills

Knowledge of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Crisis intervention

Advocacy and mediation

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Customer-focused approach

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and committed Homelessness Prevention and Relief Officer to join a busy Housing Needs Service team. You will be responsible for delivering the council's statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 by preventing and relieving homelessness for those who approach the service.

The successful candidate will provide intensive, person-centred housing advice, empowering individuals to find sustainable solutions to their housing crises while minimising the use of temporary accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage a caseload of clients experiencing a housing crisis, delivering timely, tailored interventions.
2. Complete Personal Housing Plans (PHPs) and maintain active reviews and updates.
3. Provide advice on housing options, the private rented sector, and Local Housing Allowance rates.
4. Negotiate with landlords and family/friends to prevent eviction and sustain tenancies.
5. Attend court hearings as necessary to support tenants with housing defence cases.
6. Maintain detailed records, complete statutory homelessness assessments, and issue relevant decision letters under s.184 Housing Act 1996.
7. Work closely with external partners and internal services such as Social Services, Mental Health Services, and Domestic Abuse teams.
8. Conduct home visits and outreach work both within and outside the borough.
9. Maintain a detailed working knowledge of homelessness legislation, welfare benefits, and relevant case law.

About You

1. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996, and related legislation.
2. Experience of managing homelessness caseloads and delivering housing advice in a local authority setting.
3. Confident in advocacy, mediation, negotiation, and crisis intervention.
4. Able to manage a diverse workload with minimal supervision and meet statutory deadlines.
5. Excellent written, verbal, and IT communication skills.
6. Customer-focused with a commitment to supporting vulnerable households.
7. Ability to maintain professionalism when dealing with sensitive or complex cases.
8. Willingness to undertake occasional out-of-hours emergency duties if required.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.