Housing Officer - London, United Kingdom - Max Emerald Ltd

Max Emerald Ltd

Verified Company

London, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

_ You will be part of the teams responsible for the provision of the statutory homeless service with our client. For the majority of homeless clients, it is the first point of contact for those approaching the Housing Options Service. You will work alongside colleagues to meet the councils obligations under Housing Act 1996 as amended by Homelessness Reduction Act 2017_

ACCOUNTABLITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Purpose:

Further duties include

To conduct housing options interviews with customers focussing on assessing housing needs, preventing homelessness and giving good quality advice on the housing choices available so that customers can make informed decisions
To negotiate and mediate with landlords, parents and other accommodation providers to prevent homelessness and provide practical assistance to help customers remain in their accommodation, including home visits.
To provide good quality advice, information and assistance through facetoface interviews, home visits, colocation, by telephone and by correspondence within a customer care framework, ensuring all deadlines are met and that customers can make informed decisions about their housing options.
To provide the above through a detailed knowledge of housing legislation and case law in relation to homelessness, children, immigration law, social housing sector landlord and tenant law, and family law including domestic abuse and welfare benefits and rights
To confirm eligibility and that there is a reason to believe that an applicant is homeless and in priority need when determining whether accommodation is to be provided, making recommendations as to what would constitute suitable accommodation
To have a good knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of social landlords, Childrens Services, YOT, Police, Probation, Social and Health Services and of local voluntary sector provision in relation to housing need, homelessness and homelessness prevention work
To be the lead professional for customers by using an assessment tool to assist in exploring other support needs in relation to employment, childcare, immigration and legal advice and making supported referrals to internal and external partners using agreed protocols under the NWD programme.
To make recommendations to the Team Manager for use of the Homelessness Prevention Fund or other related direct financial assistance where such would prevent homelessness

QUALIFICATION & REQUIREMENTS

Shares information and engages others in a timely way to achieve the best outcomes
To have an understanding of welfare benefits and have a level of numeracy sufficient to give basic money and housing advice using available tools
Ability to attend outreach sessions at partner agencies offices to give housing advice and options
Strong communication; verbal, written and presentation skills.
Strong customer focus with a drive to provide a valued service.
A positive attitude: a can do approach, good work ethic and willingness to learn
Takes ownership of more complex issues, whilst keeping the customer informed.