Housing Options Adviser

London Borough Of Merton; England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Merton is seeking a knowledgeable Housing Options Adviser to join our busy Housing Options Service. You will provide high-quality housing advice and handle casework for residents who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or facing housing difficulties.

Working within homelessness legislation and local policy, you will assess needs, develop personalised housing plans, negotiate with landlords and agents, and coordinate with internal services and partner agencies to prevent

Qualifications

• Provide clear, accurate and accessible advice on housing options, homelessness, tenancy rights and available support.
• Complete detailed assessments and enquiries in accordance with homelessness legislation, statutory guidance and council policy.
• Develop and review personalised housing plans with applicants, agreeing realistic actions to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Manage a varied caseload, maintain accurate records and issue well-reasoned written decisions within required timescales.
• Negotiate with landlords, managing agents, family members and other parties to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with internal services, partner agencies and support providers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Identify safeguarding concerns, vulnerabilities and support needs, making appropriate referrals and escalating risk where necessary.
• Contribute to service performance, continuous improvement and a consistently high standard of customer care.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing options advice to residents.
• Complete housing assessments and enquiries.
• Develop and review personalised housing plans with applicants.
• Negotiate with landlords to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation.

Job description

We are seeking a knowledgeable, resilient and customer-focused Housing Options Adviser to join our busy Housing Options Service. You will provide high-quality housing advice and casework to residents who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or experiencing housing difficulties. Working within the relevant legislation, statutory guidance and local policies, you will assess housing needs, develop effective housing plans and take timely action to prevent or relieve homelessness wherever possible.

• Provide clear, accurate and accessible advice on housing options, homelessness, tenancy rights and available support.
• Complete detailed assessments and enquiries in accordance with homelessness legislation, statutory guidance and council policy.
• Develop and review personalised housing plans with applicants, agreeing realistic actions to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Manage a varied caseload, maintain accurate records and issue well-reasoned written decisions within required timescales.
• Negotiate with landlords, managing agents, family members and other parties to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with internal services, partner agencies and support providers to achieve positive outcomes.
• Identify safeguarding concerns, vulnerabilities and support needs, making appropriate referrals and escalating risk where necessary.
• Contribute to service performance, continuous improvement and a consistently high standard of customer care.