Job Details
Job Purpose:
The purpose of the Assessment and Prevention Officer role is to provide proactive, client-focused support to individuals and households at risk of or experiencing homelessness. You will undertake detailed homelessness assessments, identify the root causes of housing instability, and deliver effective solutions to prevent or relieve homelessness in line with statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
By developing personalised housing plans, negotiating with landlords, and collaborating with internal departments and external partners, you will work to secure sustainable housing outcomes for clients. You will ensure all decisions comply with homelessness legislation, statutory guidance, and case law, while maintaining high standards of customer service and safeguarding vulnerable clients.
This role is critical to reducing homelessness, supporting the most vulnerable members of the community, and contributing to the delivery of the local authority’s Homelessness and Rough
Main Areas of Responsibility:
Homelessness Assessment and Prevention
• Conducting Homelessness Assessments: Assess individuals and families at risk of homelessness under the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, identifying causes and creating tailored, personalised housing plans to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Investigating Homelessness Status: Carry out thorough inquiries to determine homelessness status, applying statutory tests for eligibility, homelessness, and priority need as set out in the Housing Act 1996 (Sections 184 and 189).
• Reviewing Progress: Conduct regular reviews, monitor housing plan progress, and issue notices such as warning or non-cooperation letters. Legal Compliance and Decision-Making
• Applying Legislation: Make informed decisions on homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant case law, ensuring statutory obligations are met.
• Drafting Decision Letters: Construct clear, robust decision letters that that are compliant with relevant legislation, incorporating case law and legislative guidance to explain decisions transparently.
Case Management and Partnership Working
• Managing Caseloads: Effectively manage a diverse and complex caseload, ensuring decisions are made within statutory timeframes and associated regulations.
• Collaborating with Partners: Work with internal departments, private landlords, registered providers, and external agencies to prevent homelessness and secure housing solutions.
Support and Safeguarding
• Identifying and Referring Support Needs: Assess clients’ support needs, referring to appropriate agencies and services under the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989, and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 (Sections 10 and 11).
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Clients: Identify safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate actions are taken under the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, and other safeguarding legislation to protect vulnerable individuals and families.
Operational and Administrative Responsibilities
• Maintaining Records: Accurately update manual and electronic systems, ensuring compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and performance reporting requirements under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Participating in Training and Development: Attend training and development activities to stay updated on legislative changes such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, contribute to peer support, and deputise for Team Leaders when required.
Flexible and Outreach Working
• Outreach and Emergency Response: Work flexibly, including out-of-hours and at outreach locations, to assess and support households under statutory obligations in the Housing Act 1996 (Sections 188 and 189B) and during emergencies.
Person Specification
Qualification and training
• Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant to homelessness, housing, social work equivalent or related field, or extensive proven experience in a similar role. (A).
Desirable
• Training in mental health awareness, substance misuse, or domestic abuse support.
• Certification in trauma-informed care.
Experience
• Making/challenging statutory homeless decisions or supporting clients through the process. (A/I)
• Substantial experience of interviewing and negotiation skills including direct experience of working to prevent homelessness. (A/I)
• Experience in working with vulnerable client groups (A/I)
• Experience of managing a complex caseload in a fast-paced environment
Skills/Abilities
• Knowledge of homeless legislation and the responsibilities of the Council and ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it in decision making. (A/I)
• Ability to construct robust, tailored decision letters in line with legislation. (A/I)
• Ability to negotiate and work assertively, yet in a sensitive manner, with those who are potentially homeless and accommodation providers / landlords to ensure that they achieve a realistic understanding of their situation and to discuss the options available to them (A/I)
• Ability to accurately record statements and findings (A/I)
• Resilience and ability to remain calm under pressure when working in fastpaced or challenging environments (A, I)
• High degree of professionalism and integrity. (A, I)
If you are interested in this role please do reach out to me via email or telephone!
amberrayment@carringtonblakerecruitment.com
020 753 766 07
