OR116683 – Housing Advisor

Main Purpose:
To prevent and relieve homelessness by assessing housing needs, providing advice and developing housing plans, including assessing homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.

Typical Day:

• Assess customers’ housing and homelessness needs.
• Manage a complex caseload.
• Provide housing options, homelessness and welfare advice.
• Develop personalized housing plans.
• Negotiate with landlords, families and other agencies.
• Assess temporary accommodation needs.
• Complete Part VII homelessness assessments.
• Provide face-to-face and telephone advice.
• Maintain accurate case records.

Key Skills / Responsibilities:

• Housing and homelessness casework.
• Knowledge of Homelessness Reduction Act and Housing Act 1996 Part VII.
• Strong negotiation, mediation and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of private renting and housing options.
• Ability to work with vulnerable and challenging customers.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Good IT and case-recording skills.

Essential Requirements:

• Relevant experience in housing, homelessness or housing options.
• Experience managing a housing/homelessness caseload.
• Knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing options.
• Experience carrying out housing needs/homelessness assessments.
• Ability to work in a busy customer-facing environment.
• Ability to undertake occasional evening work and home visits.