Housing Solutions Officer - Perm

Maldon District Council; Maldon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking a dedicated Housing Solutions Officer to enhance service delivery in the face of increasing housing challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of various housing-related legislation and demonstrate exceptional customer-focused skills. This role involves managing client relationships effectively while working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. A competent grasp of IT systems and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part 7 and Homeless Reduction Act 2017.
• Working knowledge of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Children Act 1989.
• Understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty.

Responsibilities

• Manage client expectations and build trusting relationships.
• Engage effectively with stakeholders and contribute to service development.
• Apply legislation while addressing housing needs and homelessness.

Skills

Customer focused skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Persuasion skills

Problem solving

IT competency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

Maldon District Council is a fantastic place to work, delivering vital services and making a real difference to our residents.

Our Housing Solutions service is prevention and relief focused working with applicants to manage risk of homelessness, support the prevention of homelessness or find alternative accommodation.

The service faces a range of challenges, with an increasing demand for accommodation without an adequate supply of housing. You will share our values, be customer focussed and be able to manage a wide and varied workload in a demanding housing context.

About this role

We are looking for a Housing Solutions Officer with in-depth knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part 7 (as amended) and of the of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 as well as working knowledge of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 the Children’s Acts (primarily the Children Act 1989) as well as an understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and within that the Public Sector Equality Duty.

An instrumental element of the role will involve managing client expectations, ability to form strong partnership working with other services and to be able to build trusting relationships with applicants.

What we are looking for

• An ability to demonstrate a high standard of customer focused skills and an ability to manage often difficult conversations with empathy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and persuasion skills to effectively engage with a range of stakeholders daily, someone who has an eye for detail, someone who can think on the spot and take tough decisions, whilst applying the legislation and positively contributing to the development of the service.
• Ability to take a holistic approach to housing need and homelessness and a positive attitude towards problem solving will be evident.
• An understanding of Homelessness legislation and a general understanding of Housing policies.
• Competent with IT systems including Microsoft Office and case management systems.

Please note this role will be subject to a Basic DBS Check.