64613 (JS) – HOUSING ADVICE AND HOMLESSNESS PREVENTION

Job Details

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer to join our Housing Directorate. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference by supporting residents at risk of homelessness and helping them secure safe, sustainable housing.

You will play a key role in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service—providing expert housing advice, preventing homelessness, and ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide professional, accurate housing advice to residents, ensuring a “right first time” approach
  • Assess homelessness applications in line with Housing Act 1996 (Part VII)
  • Proactively prevent and relieve homelessness, including supporting access to benefits and housing options
  • Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring timely decisions and high-quality record keeping
  • Work closely with partners including Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, landlords, and external agencies
  • Secure suitable housing solutions, including private rented accommodation and social housing pathways
  • Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring vulnerable individuals are protected
  • Contribute to reducing the use of temporary accommodation
  • Support service improvements and contribute to team targets and strategies

About You

We are seeking someone who is:

  • Experienced in a front-facing role, supporting customers with complex needs
  • Skilled in case management and working to deadlines
  • Knowledgeable (or able to quickly develop knowledge) of housing legislation and homelessness prevention
  • A confident communicator, able to engage with a wide range of residents and stakeholders
  • Resilient and able to handle challenging or sensitive situations professionally
  • A strong team player with experience of multi-agency working
  • Competent in using IT systems and case management tools

Essential Requirements

  • Relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ, Diploma, degree) or equivalent experience
  • Good standard of education including English and Maths (GCSE or equivalent)
  • Willingness to work flexibly, including participation in an out-of-hours rota if required
  • Ability to travel across and beyond the Borough when needed