Targeted Housing Advisor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Sutton; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a seasoned Targeted Housing Advisor to join the Housing Advice, Information, and Assessment Service in Sutton. You will handle complex homelessness caseloads, assess eligibility, provide housing options, and draft legally compliant Section 184 decisions.

The role is a 3-month contract with hybrid working; in-office presence is required at least 3 days every other week, based on service needs, and involves collaboration with multiple agencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience as Local Authority Housing Options Officer.
• Experience making homelessness decisions.
• Expert knowledge of Housing Act provisions and homelessness guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist housing advice to prevent homelessness.
• Manage a caseload from first contact to decision.
• Prepare Personalised Housing Plans and Section 184 letters.

Skills

Housing options

Case management

Legal compliance

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Targeted Housing Advisor Civic Recruitment Limited•Wallington, STN, gb

Job Description

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working - Candidates are required to be in the office at least 3 days every other week, depending on service needs.

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Targeted Housing Advisor to join the Housing Advice, Information, and Assessment Service at Encompass LATC, a company owned by the London Borough of Sutton. This role is pivotal in preventing and alleviating homelessness by offering expert housing advice, conducting homelessness assessments, managing casework, and making statutory decisions. The successful candidate will handle a complex caseload, working closely with vulnerable households to devise practical housing solutions and secure sustainable outcomes. We are particularly interested in candidates with a robust background in homelessness casework and statutory assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized housing advice and services aimed at preventing homelessness.
  
• Oversee a caseload of homelessness applications from initial contact to resolution.
  
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and investigations.
  
• Develop and regularly update Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Evaluate statutory duties under homelessness legislation.
  
• Make informed, legally compliant decisions under the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, relevant case law, and statutory guidance.
  
• Draft thorough Section 184 decision letters.
  
• Offer guidance on housing rights, homelessness, welfare benefits, housing benefit, debt issues, security of tenure, housing options, and long-term accommodation solutions.
  
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
  
• Assist vulnerable adults and young people in maintaining independent living.
  
• Maintain precise case records and update housing systems.
  
• Identify and manage risks effectively.
  
• Contribute to ongoing service improvement and policy development.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of recent experience as a Local Authority Housing Options Officer.
  
• Extensive experience in making homelessness decisions.
  
• Deep understanding of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
  
• Proficiency in assessing eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection, and homelessness.
  
• Experience in drafting legally compliant Section 184 decisions.
  
• Ability to conduct detailed investigations and gather evidence.
  
• Experience in creating and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Strong customer service and negotiation skills.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and high caseloads.
  
• Proficiency with IT and case management systems.
  
• Experience working within a London Borough Housing Options Service.
  
• Familiarity with Part VI of the Housing Act 1996.
  
• Experience dealing with vulnerable households and complex needs cases.
  
• Experience in homelessness prevention and relief duty functions.
  

What's on Offer?

• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working Arrangement
  
• Minimum 3 Office Days on Alternative Weeks
  
• Location: Sutton
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join an experienced Housing Advice & Assessment Team
  
• Manage a diverse caseload in homelessness and housing options
  
• Potential for contract extension
  

This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Housing Advisor, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Housing Solutions Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, or Section 184 Decision Maker.

RequirementsEssential Experience Required Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years' recent experience working directly as a Local Authority Housing Options Officer. Applications from Triage Officers will not be considered. You must also have: Expert knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Working knowledge of Part VI of the Housing Act 1996. Experience assessing all five homelessness tests: Eligibility Homelessness Priority Need (including vulnerability assessments) Local Connection Intentional Homelessness Experience conducting robust homelessness investigations and enquiries. Experience formulating legally compliant Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs). Experience writing detailed and legally compliant Section 184 Decision Letters. Experience managing high-volume homelessness caseloads. Excellent case recording and file management skills. Key Responsibilities Provide specialist housing advice and homelessness prevention services. Manage a caseload of homelessness applications from first contact through to decision. Carry out detailed housing assessments and investigations. Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans. Assess statutory duties under homelessness legislation. Make informed and legally compliant decisions under: Housing Act 1996 Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Relevant Case Law Statutory Guidance Prepare robust Section 184 decision letters. Provide advice on: Housing Rights Homelessness Welfare Benefits Housing Benefit Debt Issues Security of Tenure Housing Options Long-Term Accommodation Solutions Work collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies. Support vulnerable adults and young people to maintain independent living. Maintain accurate case records and update housing systems. Identify and manage risks appropriately. Contribute to continuous service improvement and policy development. Essential Requirements Minimum 3 years' recent Local Authority Housing Options experience. Strong experience making homelessness decisions. Expert understanding of: Part VII Housing Act 1996 Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Homelessness Code of Guidance Relevant Case Law Experience assessing eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection, and homelessness. Experience writing legally compliant Section 184 decisions. Ability to undertake detailed investigations and evidence gathering. Experience creating and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans. Strong customer service and negotiation skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and high caseloads. Strong IT and case management system experience. Desirable Requirements Experience working within a London Borough Housing Options Service. Knowledge of Part VI Housing Act 1996. Experience working with vulnerable households and complex needs cases. Experience within homelessness prevention and relief duty functions. What's on Offer? £30.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract Hybrid Working Arrangement Minimum 3 Office Days on Alternative Weeks Location: Sutton Bi-weekly Pay Opportunity to join an experienced Housing Advice & Assessment Team. Manage a varied homelessness and housing options caseload. Potential contract extension. Suitable for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Housing Advisor, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Housing Solutions Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, or Section 184 Decision Maker.