Homelessness Prevention Worker

3 Month Contract With A local Authority
Job Purpose

To provide a proactive and effective homelessness prevention service, working with individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. The postholder will assess housing needs, deliver tailored housing advice and support, and take all reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness in accordance with relevant housing legislation. Using a person-centred and trauma-informed approach, the Homeless Prevention Officer will work collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and accommodation providers to achieve positive housing outcomes and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
  
• Conduct comprehensive housing options interviews, support needs assessments, and risk assessments.
  
• Provide accurate housing advice and guidance in line with homelessness legislation and council policy.
  
• Develop and implement Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) to prevent or relieve homelessness.
  
• Make statutory decisions and homelessness determinations in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  
• Identify practical and sustainable housing solutions for applicants through prevention and relief activities.
  
• Liaise with landlords, housing providers, support agencies, social services, health professionals, and community partners to secure accommodation and support services.
  
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure all documentation is completed to a high standard.
  
• Apply a trauma-informed and safeguarding-focused approach when working with vulnerable individuals and families.
  
• Assist applicants with accessing financial assistance, support services, and tenancy sustainment resources.
  
• Monitor case progress and ensure statutory duties, service standards, and performance targets are achieved.
  
• Attend meetings, case reviews, and multi-agency forums as required.
  
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of homelessness prevention and social inclusion services.
  

Requirements

• Experience working within homelessness prevention, housing advice, housing options, or a related housing service.
  
• Strong working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  
• Experience conducting housing assessments and managing complex casework.
  
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and working with vulnerable individuals and families.
  
• Ability to develop effective housing solutions and negotiate with landlords, support agencies, and housing providers.
  
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and customer service skills.
  
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise a demanding caseload.
  
• Experience of working collaboratively within multi-agency environments.
  
• Ability to apply a person-centred and trauma-informed approach to service delivery.
  
• Proficient in the use of housing management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and excellent customer care.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per Week: 37 Hours
  
• Location: Hybrid Working (Average of 3 days per week in the office)
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments: Yes (Paid Every Two Weeks)