Housing Options Advisor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Office-based 4 days in Kettering

Remote working 1 day

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Housing Options Advisor (Triage) for a 1 Month Contract to join the Housing Solutions team in Kettering, UK. The role emphasizes initial assessments for homelessness risk, triage, and prevention, including determining eligibility and priority needs.

Responsibilities include FHAs, PHPs, negotiating with landlords and support agencies, and coordinating with internal and external partners to reduce homelessness. A 4-day office and 1-day remote setup is offered.

Qualifications

• Recent experience as Housing Options Officer/Advisor or related role.
• Experience conducting homelessness assessments and triage.
• Strong knowledge of Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant guidance.
• Experience creating Personal Housing Plans and managing prevention/relief cases.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial contact for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk.
• Perform triage and comprehensive housing needs assessments.
• Evaluate eligibility, homelessness status, priority needs, and interim accommodation duties (Section 188).
• Provide advice on homelessness prevention and housing options.
• Complete Full Housing Assessments (FHAs) and Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Collaborate with landlords and support agencies to avert homelessness.
• Maintain detailed case records and support safeguarding concerns.

Skills

Homelessness assessments

Triage functions

Interviewing skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Working with vulnerable populations

Education

CIH qualification or equivalent housing qualification

Job description

Housing Options Advisor Civic Recruitment Limited•Northampton, NTH, gb

Job Description

Housing Options Advisor (Triage) – 1 Month Contract

Location: Kettering, North Northamptonshire

Contract: 1 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

DBS: Disclosure & Barring Service Check Required

Driving Licence: Full UK Driving Licence and access to own vehicle required

Summary

We are in search of a skilled Housing Options Advisor (Triage) to temporarily join our dynamic Housing Solutions team. This position is crucial for conducting initial assessments for individuals facing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, with a strong focus on prevention and securing positive housing solutions. The role involves evaluating eligibility, homelessness status, and priority needs, including determining obligations under Section 188 for interim accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial contact for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
  
• Perform triage and comprehensive housing needs assessments.
  
• Evaluate:
  • Eligibility
    
  • Homelessness status
    
  • Priority need considerations
    
  • Interim accommodation duties (Section 188)
    
• Offer advice on homelessness prevention and housing options.
  
• Complete Full Housing Assessments (FHAs).
  
• Create and implement Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
  
• Negotiate with landlords, family members, and support agencies to avert homelessness.
  
• Provide personalized advice and support tailored to individual needs.
  
• Handle a diverse caseload in line with homelessness legislation and guidance.
  
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
  
• Identify and address safeguarding concerns appropriately.
  
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
  
• Contribute to reducing homelessness and reliance on temporary housing.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Recent experience as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, or Housing Needs Officer.
  
• Proficiency in conducting homelessness assessments and triage functions.
  
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
    
  • Relevant case law
    
• Experience in assessing homelessness duties and eligibility.
  
• Skilled in creating Personal Housing Plans.
  
• Experience in managing prevention and relief cases.
  
• Strong interviewing, assessment, and investigative skills.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
  
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable populations.
  
• CIH qualification or equivalent in housing.
  
• Experience within a Local Authority Housing Solutions Team.
  
• Familiarity with housing allocations and welfare benefits.
  
• Experience working with rough sleepers, single homelessness, and vulnerable groups.
  

What's on Offer?

• 1 Month Contract
  
• 4 Days Office-Based in Kettering
  
• 1 Day Remote Working
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join a supportive Housing Solutions team
  
• Engaging role focused on homelessness prevention and positive housing outcomes
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Prevention Officer, Housing Advisor, or Triage Officer within a Local Authority Housing Service.

Requirements
Essential Requirements Recent experience working as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, or Housing Needs Officer. Experience completing homelessness assessments and triage functions. Strong knowledge of: Housing Act 1996 Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Homelessness Code of Guidance Relevant case law Experience assessing homelessness duties and eligibility. Experience creating Personal Housing Plans. Experience managing homelessness prevention and relief cases. Strong interviewing, assessment, and investigation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Strong customer service and problem-solving abilities. Experience working with vulnerable households. Desirable Requirements CIH qualification or equivalent housing qualification. Experience within a Local Authority Housing Solutions Team. Knowledge of housing allocations and welfare benefits. Experience working with rough sleepers, single homelessness, and vulnerable households. What's on Offer? £30.00 per hour (Umbrella) 1 Month Contract 4 Days Office-Based in Kettering 1 Day Remote Working Bi-weekly Pay Opportunity to join a supportive Housing Solutions team. Fast-paced role focused on homelessness prevention and positive housing outcomes. Immediate start available. Suitable for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Prevention Officer, Housing Advisor, or Triage Officer within a Local Authority Housing Service.