Housing & Welfare Advisor – 3 to 4 Month Contract

Location: Walsall

Rate: £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract Duration: 3 to 4 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote

Enhanced DBS Required

Essential: Experience with Section 184 Decision-Making

Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are seeking a skilled Housing & Welfare Advisor to join our dynamic Housing and Welfare team on a temporary basis. This role is pivotal in offering guidance on housing rights, addressing homelessness, and advising on welfare benefits and financial stability. You will engage directly with residents, aiding them in accessing necessary resources to foster independence and housing security. A critical aspect of this position is your expertise in making homelessness determinations under Section 184 of the Housing Act 1996, which includes conducting thorough investigations and issuing legally sound decision letters. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is essential, as is representing clients in Tribunals and Court Hearings when needed.

Responsibilities

• Offer expert advice on:
  • Housing Rights
    
  • Homelessness Legislation
    
  • Welfare Benefits and Reform
    
  • Income Maximisation
    
• Manage a caseload of housing and welfare-related issues.
  
• Evaluate homelessness applications and make decisions in accordance with Section 184 of the Housing Act 1996.
  
• Conduct investigations and compile evidence to support statutory homelessness decisions.
  
• Draft and distribute comprehensive Section 184 decision letters.
  
• Assist residents in maximizing their income and accessing benefits.
  
• Support vulnerable households facing housing, financial, or welfare difficulties.
  
• Represent clients at Tribunals and Court Hearings as necessary.
  
• Collaborate with partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve favorable outcomes.
  
• Contribute to joint working initiatives and externally funded projects.
  
• Promote financial inclusion, wellbeing, and tenancy sustainment.
  
• Maintain precise records, reports, and case notes.
  
• Ensure service delivery aligns with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Provide a responsive, customer-focused service to residents and stakeholders.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS Check
  
• Extensive experience in making Section 184 homelessness decisions
  
• Background in providing Housing Advice, Welfare Rights, Benefits Advice, or Homelessness Prevention services
  
• Strong understanding of:
  • Housing Act 1996
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  • Homelessness Legislation
    
  • Welfare Benefits and Reform
    
  • Income Maximisation
    
• Experience managing complex customer cases
  
• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals and households
  
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and negotiation skills
  
• Experience collaborating with multiple agencies and stakeholders
  
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse workload
  
• Proficient in report writing and case documentation
  

Desirable

• Previous experience with Local Authorities
  
• Experience representing clients at Tribunals or Court Hearings
  
• Knowledge of debt advice, tenancy sustainment, or financial inclusion services
  
• Experience in delivering partnership projects or externally funded programs
  

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills
  
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
  
• Ability to interpret and clearly explain legislation
  
• Organized with the ability to manage competing priorities
  
• Empathetic and person-centered approach
  
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients and partners
  
• Resilient and professional in handling complex cases
  

What's on Offer?

• £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 to 4 Month Contract
  
• Location: Walsall
  
• Hybrid Working – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Section 184 Experience Essential
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to work within a specialized Housing & Welfare service
  
• Diverse role encompassing housing advice, homelessness, welfare rights, income maximisation, and advocacy
  

We encourage applications from individuals with experience as a Housing Advisor, Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Section 184 Officer, Welfare Rights Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Welfare Benefits Advisor, Financial Inclusion Officer, Housing Support Officer, or Income Maximisation Advisor.