Homelessness Prevention Officer – AR

Job Details

Homelessness Prevention Officer

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Homelessness Prevention Officer to join a busy Housing Options and Homelessness Prevention team. The successful candidate will manage a varied caseload of applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, delivering a high-quality, person-centred service in line with statutory duties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Working proactively, you will help prevent homelessness wherever possible by providing housing advice, undertaking detailed assessments, developing Personalised Housing Plans, and working collaboratively with internal departments and external partner agencies to secure sustainable housing outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of homelessness prevention and housing options cases.
  • Undertake comprehensive housing options and support needs assessments using a person-centred approach.
  • Assess homelessness applications and make statutory decisions in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) to help prevent or relieve homelessness.
  • Take proactive steps to prevent homelessness, including negotiating with landlords, signposting to support services, and identifying suitable housing options.
  • Provide accurate advice on housing rights, homelessness legislation, and available accommodation options.
  • Work closely with accommodation providers, community safety teams, housing providers, support agencies, social care, and other internal and external partners to achieve positive outcomes for applicants.
  • Support individuals and families with multiple and complex needs by applying a trauma-informed approach throughout the assessment and intervention process.
  • Maintain accurate and timely case records using the JIGSAW case management system.
  • Ensure all statutory timescales, performance targets, and service standards are consistently achieved.
  • Produce clear, legally compliant case notes, assessments, and decision letters.

Essential Requirements

  • Previous experience working as a Homelessness Prevention Officer, Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, or in a similar local authority homelessness service.
  • Excellent working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Experience managing a busy caseload of homelessness prevention and housing options cases.
  • Ability to undertake statutory homelessness assessments and make legally sound decisions.
  • Experience producing Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families with complex support needs.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships with internal teams and external partner organisations.
  • Experience using the JIGSAW case management system (essential).
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory deadlines.

Desirable

  • Experience working within a local authority Housing Options or Homelessness Prevention team.
  • Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare benefits, and housing support services.
  • Experience working within a trauma-informed service environment.

Key Skills

  • Homelessness Prevention
  • Housing Options
  • Housing Act 1996 (Part VII)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Statutory Homelessness Assessments
  • Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs)
  • Case Management
  • JIGSAW
  • Housing Advice
  • Partnership Working
  • Trauma-Informed Practice
  • Negotiation and Problem Solving