Housing Advisor – Rough Sleepers

Job Description

Housing Advisor – Rough Sleepers – 3 Month Contract

Location: Lambeth, London

Rate: £30.67 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary (3 Months)

Hours: Full-Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – Minimum 2 Days Office-Based

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

This role is a 3-month contract position within the Homeless Prevention Service, focusing on supporting rough sleepers and individuals at risk of homelessness. As a Housing Advisor, you will collaborate with the Rough Sleeping Co-ordinator, outreach teams, supported housing providers, and partner agencies to identify and assist rough sleepers in need of housing support. Your responsibilities will include conducting comprehensive housing needs assessments, managing statutory homelessness duties, and securing sustainable housing outcomes. This position requires strong case management skills, a thorough understanding of housing legislation, and the ability to work effectively with clients who may have complex support needs.

Responsibilities

• Proactively work with rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness.
  
• Conduct housing needs assessments in various settings, including day centres and emergency accommodations.
  
• Deliver effective homelessness prevention and relief interventions.
  
• Develop and maintain tailored Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
  
• Provide specialist housing advice and explore all available housing options.
  
• Assess temporary accommodation requirements and arrange placements.
  
• Use mediation and negotiation to prevent homelessness.
  
• Provide advice on welfare benefits and financial support.
  
• Collaborate with outreach teams, supported housing providers, and other agencies.
  
• Maintain accurate case notes and housing records.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

Essential

• Ability to assess and investigate homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
  
• Experience supporting rough sleepers and providing tailored solutions to prevent homelessness.
  
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and housing options.
  
• Experience developing Personal Housing Plans and delivering housing advice.
  
• Excellent negotiation, mediation, and customer service skills.
  
• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
  

Desirable

• Previous Local Authority homelessness experience.
  
• Experience working within a Rough Sleeping Team or Homeless Prevention Service.
  
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing support services, and temporary accommodation processes.
  
• Housing qualification (CIH or equivalent).
  

Working Environment

• Hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 2 office days per week.
  
• Fast-paced environment with demanding caseloads and statutory deadlines.
  
• Community-based work and partnership engagement may be required.
  

Requirements
Experience Essential Experience assessing homelessness applications. Experience making homelessness decisions and recommendations. Experience working with rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals. Experience undertaking housing needs assessments. Experience delivering housing advice and homelessness prevention services. Experience managing complex caseloads. Experience working in a target-driven and high-pressure environment. Experience working with outreach teams and external partners. Experience handling customer complaints, enquiries, and difficult situations. Desirable Previous Local Authority homelessness experience. Experience within a Rough Sleeping Team or Homeless Prevention Service. Experience assessing temporary accommodation needs. Experience working with supported housing providers. Skills & Competencies Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong assessment and investigation skills. Ability to interpret and apply housing legislation. Strong negotiation and mediation skills. Excellent case management and organisational skills. Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Strong report-writing and record-keeping skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Good IT skills with experience using housing management systems. Additional Information Job Title: Housing Advisor – Rough Sleepers This is a 3-month temporary contract Rate: £30.67 per hour (Umbrella) Location: Lambeth, London Hybrid working – minimum 2 office days per week Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis Experience assessing homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 is essential Experience making Section 193 Main Duty decisions is essential Experience working with rough sleepers is essential Previous Local Authority homelessness experience is highly desirable Experience working alongside outreach services and partner organisations is highly desirable