Job Details

Homelessness & Prevention Officer

Rugby Borough Council
Contract: Temporary, initially 3 months
Rate: £22.30 PAYE
Working Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in Rugby
DBS: Basic DBS required

About the Role

Rugby Borough Council is seeking an experienced Homelessness & Prevention Officer to join its Housing Advice and Benefits Team.

The successful candidate will work directly with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing housing advice, assessing homelessness applications and taking appropriate action to prevent or relieve homelessness.

This is a statutory homelessness role, so strong experience of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and investigate homelessness applications in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Conduct detailed customer interviews to establish housing needs and circumstances.
• Make and issue statutory homelessness decisions.
• Work proactively to prevent and relieve homelessness wherever possible.
• Create and monitor Personal Housing Plans with clients.
• Provide clear, tailored housing advice and guidance.
• Assist clients to secure suitable accommodation within the private rented sector or social housing.
• Arrange and manage suitable temporary accommodation where required.
• Liaise with landlords, families, housing associations and external support agencies.
• Work with partner organisations to resolve complex housing and support issues.
• Maintain accurate case records and complete relevant H-CLIC reporting.
• Attend case conferences and represent the Council at meetings, tribunals or court where required.
• Carry out home visits and support vulnerable clients appropriately.
• Ensure all work complies with safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and data protection requirements.

Essential Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong experience working within statutory homelessness services.
• Proven experience assessing homelessness applications.
• Experience making statutory homelessness decisions.
• Strong knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Good understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and relevant homelessness legislation.
• Previous experience of homelessness prevention and relief work.
• Excellent communication and interviewing skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with vulnerable clients and external agencies.
• A solution-focused approach to preventing homelessness.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for home visits.

Working Arrangements

The role requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Rugby office, primarily to provide duty cover, with the remainder of the week available on a hybrid basis.

If you have recent local authority experience in statutory homelessness and can demonstrate strong Part VII decision-making experience, we would be keen to hear from you.