Targeted Housing Advisor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Wallington; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Office days in Sutton

Bi-weekly pay

Contract extension possible

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 manage homelessness caseloads, conduct housing assessments, and draft statutory decisions under relevant legislation.

The role focuses on preventing homelessness, delivering tailored housing advice, and coordinating with internal teams to secure sustainable outcomes. Hybrid working with office days every other week in Sutton.

Qualifications

• 3+ years' recent experience as a Local Authority Housing Options Officer.
• In-depth knowledge of Housing Act 1996 Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Experience drafting Section 184 decisions.
• Ability to assess eligibility, priority need, and local connection.
• Strong investigation and evidence gathering skills.
• Strong customer service and negotiation abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with IT and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Deliver housing advice to prevent homelessness.
• Oversee a caseload from initial contact to resolution.
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and investigations.
• Develop and update Personalised Housing Plans.
• Evaluate duties under homelessness legislation.
• Draft Section 184 decision letters.
• Guide on housing rights, benefits, and tenure issues.
• Collaborate with internal/external agencies.
• Assist vulnerable adults and young people to live independently.
• Maintain accurate case records and update systems.
• Identify and manage risks; contribute to service improvement.

Skills

Customer service

Negotiation

Communication skills

Case management

Multi-priority management

IT proficiency

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Wallington, United Kingdom | Posted on 25/08/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

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

• 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.