Housing Advisor – 3 Month Contract
Location: Trinity House, 20 Church Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LY
Rate: £20.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office Based, 2 Days Remote
Pay: Bi-weekly
Summary
We are looking for a seasoned Housing Advisor to become part of our dynamic Housing Options and Homelessness team in Maidstone. This role is ideal for a housing expert with substantial experience in homelessness, offering a chance to provide crucial advice and support to residents facing housing challenges. You will be responsible for evaluating homelessness applications, managing a portfolio of households in temporary housing, and actively working towards favorable housing outcomes. Given that many of the households we assist are affected by domestic abuse, a deep understanding of its effects on homelessness is essential.
Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive housing advice and guidance to residents with housing issues.
- Evaluate housing situations and discuss appropriate housing options.
- Investigate and make determinations on homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
- Oversee a caseload of applicants in temporary housing under the Relief Duty.
- Advance homelessness cases to suitable resolutions, including:
- Main Housing Duty decisions
- Intentional Homelessness decisions
- Non-Priority Need decisions
- Develop and execute Personalised Housing Plans.
- Conduct inquiries and collect evidence to support statutory decisions.
- Coordinate with landlords, support agencies, accommodation providers, and other stakeholders.
- Offer advice and support to vulnerable households.
- Maintain precise case records and ensure adherence to legislation and local procedures.
- Collaborate with colleagues to deliver an effective Housing Options service.
Essential
Requirements
Requirements:
- Experience in a Housing Options, Homelessness, or Housing Advice setting.
- In-depth knowledge of:
- Housing Act 1996 Part VII
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Homelessness legislation and statutory guidance
- Experience in assessing homelessness applications and making related decisions.
- Experience in managing homelessness caseloads.
- Strong understanding of temporary accommodation processes.
- Knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on homelessness.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families.
Desirable
- Experience with Local Authority Housing Options.
- Experience managing Relief Duty cases.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and support pathways.
- Experience using homelessness case management systems.
What's on Offer?
- £20.00 per hour (Umbrella)
- 3 Month Contract
- Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office / 2 Days Remote
- Location: Maidstone, Kent
- Bi-weekly Pay
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on vulnerable households.
- Join a supportive and experienced Housing Options team.
- Engage with a diverse caseload focused on homelessness prevention and housing solutions.
This position is suitable for individuals with experience as a Housing Advisor, Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Housing Solutions Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, or Prevention Officer.