VACANCIES

We are offering a fantastic opportunity in housing advice work for an experienced Housing Option Officer in a Greater East London local authority. 

 

The Role:

Our client is an inner city Local Authority and we seeking an experienced Resettlement & Homeless Prevention Officer to join their friendly, collaborative, energetic and specialised team.

 

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about providing the best level of service to those with vulnerable needs whilst accessing housing services.  We are looking for someone who is naturally caring in nature and has practical knowledge of helping vulnerable service users access housing services.

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You will have a very good understanding of the housing and welfare benefits system and will be keen to join us, at an exciting time, where changes in legislation (The Housing Reduction Act 2017) have changed the way in which clients are supported, with an emphasis on focusing on the prevention from homelessness.

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You will join a team of colleagues who have a diverse skill sets and provide a great resource of knowledge and can help imbed this Local Authority's ways of working.

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Excellent communication and organisational skills will also go a long way in this role ensuring that you provide the best level of service. The service is very specialised as it is designed to meet the needs of each individual depending on their personal circumstances.

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You will have experience supporting vulnerable people, an in-depth knowledge of housing and the welfare benefits system, excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to lone work, work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.

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You will also be arranging and attending viewings of properties so having knowledge of the area and access to your own vehicle will be advantageous.

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These essential attributes listed below will give the successful candidate the best chance of succeeding in this role.  Therefore only those with the below skill set of knowledge, experience and skills need apply.

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Essential Knowledge

• Knowledge of all homelessness legislation as covered by the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, housing advice law (security of tenure, disrepair, rent arrears), the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, housing allocations as covered by the Housing Act 1996 Part VI and other housing legislation, welfare benefit expertise and adult and children social care & health knowledge.

• Knowledge of welfare benefits, including social fund grants and payments, fuel rights, debt management & income maximisation.

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Essential Experience

• Team working

• Working in a demanding front line customer service environment

• Dealing effectively with confrontational and challenging situations

• Working clients who are experiencing homelessness and those with a housing need.

• Conducting complex interviews, investigations and negotiations.

• Drawing up detailed & tailored support plans addressing the individual client's needs.

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Essential Skills

• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write detailed technical letter and reports.

• Active listening, advocacy & negotiation

• Ability to work unsupervised, prioritise workloads and achieve targets and deadlines.

• Ability to gather information and interpret complex issues e.g. legislation and Case Law to different types of service users.

• Ability to think creatively about problems and identify solutions

• Ability to be self-motivated and able to work under pressure

• IT literate and able to use computer software effectively

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Applicant Requirements:

• Qualifications: N/A;

• Experience: 2+ years working within a similar role;

• Compliance: Current Basic DBS Disclosure.

• Hours: 36 hours per week

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Only those who fit the above criteria need apply. 

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Reference ID: DRS250

Contract length: Temporary.

Application deadline: 20/09/2021

Expected start date: 27/09/2021

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In order to apply for this role, please click 'Apply' & register with us using the form at the bottom of our 'Candidates' page.