Housing Adviser, LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Guardian Jobs; Brixton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Brixton is searching for a Housing Adviser to help prevent homelessness. The role involves interviewing families at risk of homelessness, advising on housing options, and ensuring compliance with housing legislation. Successful candidates will receive training, and those with transferable skills are encouraged to apply. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts at local restaurants

Qualifications

• Practical understanding of common housing problems.
• Broad knowledge of housing support needs.
• Experience in handling complaints and enquiries.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prevent and relieve homelessness according to relevant laws.
• Conduct in-depth interviews with households.
• Advise on housing options and complete Personal Housing Plans.
• Investigate housing situations and issue decisions.

Skills

Awareness of housing legislation

Knowledge of housing support needs

Experience in providing quality advice

Negotiation and mediation techniques

Job description

Job Title

Housing Adviser

SO2: Starting salary £42,912 per annum incl LW

Contract: x2 Permanent and x2 one-year fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity

Hybrid working

About Us

Lambeth Council has bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through the Lambeth 2030 Plan “Our Future, Our Lambeth.” The One Lambeth Programme focuses on delivering excellence with values and behaviours developed for staff by staff: Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability.

About the Borough

Located in South London, Lambeth Borough is a diverse community of over 317,600 residents. The borough features a range of neighbourhoods, green spaces, cultural venues, and world-renowned institutions. Lambeth supports a dynamic environment with services and facilities for residents and visitors.

About the Team

The Homelessness Prevention Service is the Council’s frontline response to alleviating homelessness. The team manages a varied caseload to prevent or relieve homelessness through advice, advocacy, negotiation and mediation, with a proactive housing options approach to find real solutions for people in housing difficulties.

About the Role

The Housing Adviser role forms part of the Council’s approach to reducing homelessness in the borough. You will prevent and relieve homelessness in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act, associated Code of Guidance, case law and best practice.

You will conduct in-depth interviews with households approaching the Council because they are threatened with homelessness. You will advise customers on housing options and complete Personal Housing Plans. You will investigate complex housing situations and issue decisions in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

We welcome applications from recent graduates and those with transferable skills; on-the-job training will be provided to successful applicants.

To be considered for interview

Your CV and supporting statement should clearly evidence:

• Awareness of legislation relating to housing advice, homelessness, housing management and the allocation of housing, with a practical understanding of common housing problems.
• Broad knowledge of housing and support needs of homeless applicants, tenants, and housing applicants.
• Experience in providing quality advice and information to the public and handling complaints and enquiries.
• Excellent knowledge of negotiation and mediation techniques and their practical application.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in the linked document.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Samuel Olara at [e-mail].

How to Apply

If you’re interested, click the apply button and complete an online application. In your supporting statement, demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an “A” at shortlist stage.

We operate an anonymised application process, so remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.

Recruitment Timelines

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 26 October 2025. Shortlisting: 27 October 2025. Interviews will be held w/c 3 November 2025.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Participation in the 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic; LGBTQ+; Disability; Young Professionals; Women.
• Generous annual leave entitlement: 27 days, up to 35 days with length of service.
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Hybrid working.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Occupational Sick Pay based on length of service.
• Discounts at local restaurants and Active Lambeth Gyms.
• Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and secure bike storage at Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Trade Union Membership.

We are committed to safer recruitment and equal opportunities for all. We are a Stonewall diversity champion and a Living Wage Employer, and we guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role.