Housing Officer – Statutory Homelessnes

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