Housing Options Adviser

London Borough of Merton; London Borough of Merton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Merton Council in London is seeking a knowledgeable Housing Options Adviser to provide high-quality housing advice and casework to residents who are homeless or at risk. You will assess needs, develop housing plans and take timely action to prevent homelessness where possible.

You will work within legislation, guidance and local policies, supporting residents with tenancy rights and connection to available services.

Qualifications

• Experience providing housing advice to residents who are homeless or at risk.
• Ability to assess housing needs and develop personalised housing plans.
• Experience working with homelessness legislation and council policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, accurate advice on housing options, homelessness, tenancy rights and support.
• Complete detailed assessments in line with homelessness legislation and policy.
• Develop and review personalised housing plans with applicants.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate records.
• Negotiate with landlords and partners to prevent homelessness.
• Work with internal services, partners and support providers to achieve outcomes.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals.
• Contribute to service performance and high standards of customer care.

Skills

Housing advice

Casework management

Stakeholder liaison

Homelessness legislation

Risk assessment

Job description

Grade/Salary: ME9- £39,519- £40,575 per annum

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.

Key responsibilities

• 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.