Housing Adviser

Newham Council; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Adviser at Newham Council will play a vital role in preventing homelessness by providing tailored housing advice, advocacy, negotiation and mediation. Working with individuals and families facing complex housing challenges, you will explore every option to help people secure and sustain suitable accommodation.

You will manage a varied caseload, assess housing need using relevant legislation, develop Personal Housing Plans and work to achieve positive outcomes for customers.

Qualifications

• Has experience of providing housing advice and homelessness prevention services.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of homelessness and housing legislation.
• Is able to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Has excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Can build rapport with customers whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Is innovative, dynamic and focused on achieving solutions.
• Demonstrates empathy, resilience and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Is able to make sound decisions in complex and challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Prevent homelessness through the provision of tailored housing advice, advocacy, negotiation and mediation.
• Assess the housing needs of individuals and families experiencing complex circumstances and vulnerability.
• Make decisions in accordance with relevant legislation, including Housing Act 1996 (as amended), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Children Act, Care Act, Welfare Reform legislation.
• Manage a complex caseload, ensuring all housing options are thoroughly explored.
• Develop and review Personal Housing Plans with customers.
• Issue statutory decisions and maintain accurate case records.
• Undertake home visits where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents.
• Contribute to the development of innovative practices and service improvements within the Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service.

Skills

Housing advice

Homelessness legislation

Independent worker

Communication skills

Negotiation

Problem solving

Empathy

Resilience

Job description

Housing Adviser

£41,511-£43,449

Fixed Term 12 months

Scale SO2

As a Housing Advisor, you will play a vital role in preventing homelessness by providing tailored housing advice, advocacy, negotiation and mediation. Working with individuals and families facing complex housing challenges, you will explore every available option to help people secure and sustain suitable accommodation.

About the role

You will manage a varied and demanding caseload, supporting some of the most vulnerable residents in our community. Using your knowledge of housing and welfare legislation, you will assess housing need, make informed decisions, develop Personal Housing Plans and work proactively to achieve positive outcomes for customers.

The role requires strong problem-solving skills, resilience and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service, often in challenging circumstances. You will also contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service.

Key Responsibilities

• Prevent homelessness through the provision of tailored housing advice, advocacy, negotiation and mediation.
• Assess the housing needs of individuals and families experiencing complex circumstances and vulnerability.
• Make decisions in accordance with relevant legislation, including:
  • Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Children Act
  • Care Act
  • Welfare Reform legislation
• Manage a complex caseload, ensuring all housing options are thoroughly explored.
• Develop and review Personal Housing Plans with customers.
• Issue statutory decisions and maintain accurate case records.
• Undertake home visits where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for residents.
• Contribute to the development of innovative practices and service improvements within the Homelessness Prevention & Advice Service.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of providing housing advice and homelessness prevention services.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of homelessness and housing legislation.
• Is able to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Has excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Can build rapport with customers whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
• Is innovative, dynamic and focused on achieving solutions.
• Demonstrates empathy, resilience and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Is able to make sound decisions in complex and challenging situations.

What We Value

We understand that people who approach our service are often experiencing some of the most difficult periods of their lives. While we may not always be able to provide the outcome a customer hopes for, we are committed to treating everyone with honesty, dignity, respect and compassion. We are looking for someone who shares these values and is committed to delivering a high-quality service that puts residents first.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

IMPORTANT: If you are an LBN member of staff and applying for this role as a secondment you should note that secondments are subject to the agreement of your current employing service. Please ensure that you inform your line manager of your intention to apply for the post in the first instance.

Closing date 25.10.26

The London Borough of Newham is located only 5 miles east of London. It is well positioned with access to all major networks in London and the south east. It is well connected by public transport with, bus, tube and DLR. When the Crossrail service opens it will call at Custom House close to our council offices and also Stratford station and from there to central London. The London City Airport which serves major European cities is located at Royal Albert Dock. Newham has the youngest overall population in the country. It was one of the six host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics and contains most of the Olympic Park including the London Stadium. It has a thriving arts quarter with the Theatre Royal Stratford East offering excellent entertainment for all the family. There is the University of East London which has two campuses in Newham, one in Stratford and another next to the regenerated Royal Albert Dock. It also has a large Westfield shopping Centre in Stratford which has all the major retailers there.