Housing Solutions Officer: Preventing Homelessness

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Redditch; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Redditch Borough Council is seeking an experienced Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer to join its Housing, Communities, Environment & Planning directorate. You will manage homelessness applications, provide specialist housing advice and deliver practical solutions to prevent and relieve homelessness.

The role emphasizes Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, with a focus on prevention, relief duties, assessments and legal decision-making.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ demonstrable homelessness, housing options or housing advice experience.
• 12–24 months with Part VII homelessness applications and statutory processes.
• Practical knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Part VII Housing Act 1996.
• Experience with homelessness prevention and relief duties and personalised housing plans.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently and make legally compliant decisions.
• Experience writing detailed reports, assessments and decision letters.

Responsibilities

• Manage a designated caseload of homelessness applications and assess needs.
• Deliver prevention and relief services and develop personalised housing plans.
• Apply Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act in assessments and decisions.
• Assess priority need and statutory criteria for homelessness cases.
• Prepare case records, assessments and homelessness decisions with accuracy.
• Support applicants needing temporary accommodation and ensure suitability.
• Negotiate with landlords and housing providers for suitable accommodation.
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies to support vulnerable applicants.
• Monitor progress, meet deadlines and ensure legislative compliance.

Skills

Caseload management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Empathy in handling sensitive cases

Education

CIH Level 3 qualification (desirable)

CIH membership (desirable)

Job description

Redditch Borough Council is seeking an experienced Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer to join its Housing, Communities, Environment & Planning directorate. You will manage homelessness applications, provide specialist housing advice and deliver practical solutions to prevent and relieve homelessness.

The role emphasizes Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, with a focus on prevention, relief duties, assessments and legal decision-making.