One of our local authority clients are currently recruiting for a Housing Options Officer. This is a 3 month temporary contract with possible further extension based on budget and performance.
Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary
To be part of the council’s statutory prevention and relief service providing an efficient, high quality advice and assessment service for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness ensuring that customers' circumstances are investigated and their housing and support needs are assessed and met, in accordance with the homelessness legislation and statutory guidance.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Provide housing advice and assistance to customers in line with current legislation and Council policy, providing a professional, sensitive and confidential service.
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To take proactive steps to comply with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and be responsible for the decision making process under the act.
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To meet the council’s obligations under the prevent and relief duties of the act, in order to prevent homelessness by engaging in effective partnership working, negotiating and/or mediating, and providing accurate advice and assistance.
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Act as a caseworker to customers who approach the Council with a housing need and assist them, where appropriate, to retain their existing accommodation or advise them of the full range of alternative housing options available.
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If the customer is threatened with homelessness or becomes homeless, to complete a personalised housing plans in writing, giving details of the advice and options and regularly review individual plans,
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Support eligible customers to apply for the Council’s Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
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Where homelessness cannot be prevented and customers is considered under the Relief Duty consider the need for temporary accommodation in liaison with the Homeless Service Manager.
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To make decisions in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 informing the customer in writing, giving details of how the decision was reached and their right to review the decision, using appropriate legislation and case law in support of the decision.
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To make homeless enquiries in accordance with the Council’s obligations under the Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, (as amended) codes of guidance and relevant case law following the Relief Duty.
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Prepare a report on each case for discussion and sign-off from the Homeless Services Manager recommending a decision as to the Council’s duty.
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Inform the customer in writing, clearly and comprehensively explaining how the decision was reached and their right to review the decision, using appropriate legislation and case law in support of the decision. Advise the Homeless Services Manager when reviews are requested.
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To maintain an up to date knowledge of legislation case law, Government Guidance and professional good practice in relation to parts VI & VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by HRA 2017.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Senior Housing Options Officer (Prevention and Relief) or Homeless Services Manager.
The above is a brief overview of the role, details and specification will be provided should you be successful. If interested in this position, please send your CV to Nia Hirani at Coyle Personnel Ltd