Housing Solutions Officer – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Housing Solutions Officer (Contract)

London Borough of Redbridge – Ilford
Contract Type: Temporary / Contract

Job Purpose

The Housing Solutions Officer will provide a comprehensive homelessness prevention and housing advice service in line with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII), the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation.

The role focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible by assessing housing need, delivering early interventions, and supporting individuals and families to secure and maintain suitable accommodation.

The postholder will manage a caseload of households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, ensuring statutory duties are met and high-quality casework is delivered.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver a homelessness prevention and housing options service focused on sustainable housing solutions.
  • Undertake homelessness assessments and determine statutory duties under relevant legislation.
  • Complete housing needs assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
  • Provide advice on temporary accommodation, private rented sector options, welfare benefits, housing register applications, and tenancy sustainment.
  • Negotiate with landlords, families, and partner agencies to prevent or relieve homelessness.
  • Manage a complex caseload, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
  • Ensure statutory decisions and notifications are issued within required timescales.
  • Work with safeguarding teams and refer vulnerable clients to appropriate support services.
  • Liaise with internal housing teams, social care, landlords, and voluntary sector partners.
  • Assess suitability and affordability of accommodation and support access to long-term housing solutions.

Requirements

  • Knowledge of housing legislation including Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Experience in homelessness prevention, housing options, or housing needs casework.
  • Experience managing a caseload of vulnerable clients.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to interpret legislation and produce accurate case records and decisions.
  • Good understanding of safeguarding and multi-agency working.
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Key Outcomes

  • Prevention and relief of homelessness.
  • Reduction in use of temporary accommodation.
  • Timely and legally compliant case decisions.
  • Effective housing solutions and positive customer outcomes.