Housing Access Navigator – Frontline Support for Those in Need

The Methodist Church in Britain; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing experience

Job summary

The Portsmouth City Council Housing Needs Advice & Support team is hiring a frontline housing adviser on a permanent, full-time basis. You will be the first point of contact for customers facing homelessness, offering face-to-face, telephone and email support and gathering information to assess needs.

You will advise on the housing register, homelessness and private renting, explain social housing eligibility and signpost to other services.

Qualifications

• Experience of, and interest in, the issues facing vulnerable and homeless people and households in housing need.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for customers needing housing help by face to face, by phone and by email.
• Listen to customers and make an initial assessment of their circumstances, gathering information.
• Give advice on housing issues, including the Portsmouth Housing Register, homelessness and private renting.
• Explain the criteria for accessing social housing.
• Signpost customers to other relevant services where appropriate.
• Identify the main presenting demand and refer customers to the correct team for further assessment.
• Make assessments of housing and support needs under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Housing Act 1996 and the Allocations Policy.
• Work to prevent homelessness and help customers resolve their housing need.
• Follow internal safeguarding policies and take appropriate action on concerns.
• Keep clear records of each contact using IT systems.
• Undertake other administrative duties as required.

Skills

Listening skills

Verbal & written communication

Organisational skills

Empathy

Problem solving

IT skills

Job description

The Portsmouth City Council Housing Needs Advice & Support team is hiring a frontline housing adviser on a permanent, full-time basis. You will be the first point of contact for customers facing homelessness, offering face-to-face, telephone and email support and gathering information to assess needs.

You will advise on the housing register, homelessness and private renting, explain social housing eligibility and signpost to other services.