Job Details

Job Description: Homelessness Resettlement Officer

Client: London Borough of Harrow
Directorate: Community – Housing Services, Housing Needs
Pay Grade: G8 (Indicative)
Reports to: Team Manager – Homelessness Prevention & Solutions
Location: Dependent on the line manager

Job Purpose

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a proactive and customer-focused Homelessness Resettlement Officer to support homeless households in moving from emergency and temporary accommodation into suitable, affordable and settled housing.

The successful candidate will provide tailored housing advice, manage complex cases, liaise with private landlords and partner agencies, and carry out inspections of emergency accommodation to ensure properties meet the required health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide advice, guidance and support to residents regarding homelessness, temporary accommodation and permanent housing options.
• Manage housing cases and help households move from temporary accommodation into suitable private rented accommodation.
• Arrange move-on accommodation to help discharge the Council’s homelessness duties.
• Carry out inspections of nightly paid emergency accommodation, ensuring properties are safe, suitable and compliant with relevant requirements.
• Check that accommodation safety certificates and documentation are valid and up to date.
• Liaise with private landlords and arrange timely payments for properties secured for homeless households.
• Support temporary accommodation residents with employment, training and access to relevant support services.
• Handle complaints, councillor enquiries and other correspondence professionally, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Maintain accurate case records and update housing systems, including Anite (Northgate) and HPA2.
• Identify potential fraud or misuse of accommodation and ensure concerns are followed up appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and partner organisations to address residents’ housing and support needs.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and follow the Council’s policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements

• Experience working in a customer-facing housing team, interviewing residents and assessing their housing needs.
• Experience managing complex casework, including face-to-face and written communication.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to handle enquiries and achieve positive outcomes.
• Current knowledge of welfare benefits and an understanding of rent affordability.
• Ability to inspect emergency and temporary accommodation, assess suitability and check relevant safety documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex housing and welfare issues clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, including maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to build effective relationships with residents, private landlords and external partner agencies.
• A flexible, proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full, valid driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with vulnerable or homeless households.
• Experience dealing with people in stressful or challenging situations.
• Experience working with local authorities, housing associations or homelessness services.
• Experience developing partnerships with external agencies and support services.

Additional Requirements

• The role involves travel for business purposes, including visits to accommodation outside London.
• Occasional work outside normal office hours may be required.
• Candidates must be able to communicate effectively with members of the public and provide advice in spoken English.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a background in homelessness, housing options or temporary accommodation, with the ability to manage complex cases, support vulnerable residents and work with landlords to secure suitable housing. They will be confident carrying out property inspections, assessing affordability and ensuring cases are progressed accurately and efficiently.