Job Description:

Housing Officer - Statutory Homelessness

• Rate of pay: £32.26 Umbrella per hour
• Job Type: Temporary (2 to 3 months)
• Location: Guildhall (Hybrid - 3 days office, 2 days remote)

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Assess homeless applications in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant legislation.
• Deliver a comprehensive housing advice service, supporting applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
• Carry out detailed and sensitive interviews to assess housing needs and determine appropriate outcomes.
• Draft and issue statutory S184 decision letters accurately and within required timeframes.
• Develop and implement Personal Housing Plans to support prevention and relief duties.
• Arrange temporary accommodation placements where required, ensuring eligibility criteria are met and processes are followed.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure data returns to central government are completed on time.
• Provide advice to customers via phone, email and face-to-face (including walk-in and duty cover).
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies (e.g. welfare services, social care) to deliver holistic support.
• Conduct visits to temporary accommodation where necessary and ensure appropriate standards are maintained.
• Carry out checks to verify applicant information and prevent fraudulent applications.
• Contribute to wider homelessness prevention and rough sleeping initiatives.
• Support team operations within a structure of triage, housing officers, and senior housing officer oversight.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience working in a Housing Options or Homelessness service within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and associated guidance.
• Demonstrable experience assessing homeless applications and determining duties.
• Experience issuing S184 decision letters.
• Ability to provide effective housing advice and prevent homelessness through early intervention.
• Strong communication and interviewing skills, with a person-centred approach.
• Experience managing a varied caseload and working to deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a busy environment.
• Competent in maintaining accurate records and handling sensitive information.

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid working: 3 days office-based and 2 days remote (including at least one duty day covering phones and walk-ins).
• Enhanced DBS required.

To apply for the Housing Officer - Statutory Homelessness position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience