Targeted Housing Advisor – 3 Month Contract

Location: St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA
Rate: £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 3 Month Contract
Hours: Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working - Candidates are required to be in the office at least 3 days every other week, depending on service needs.
Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Targeted Housing Advisor to join the Housing Advice, Information, and Assessment Service at Encompass LATC, a company owned by the London Borough of Sutton. This role is pivotal in preventing and alleviating homelessness by offering expert housing advice, conducting homelessness assessments, managing casework, and making statutory decisions. The successful candidate will handle a complex caseload, working closely with vulnerable households to devise practical housing solutions and secure sustainable outcomes. We are particularly interested in candidates with a robust background in homelessness casework and statutory assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized housing advice and services aimed at preventing homelessness.
  
• Oversee a caseload of homelessness applications from initial contact to resolution.
  
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and investigations.
  
• Develop and regularly update Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Evaluate statutory duties under homelessness legislation.
  
• Make informed, legally compliant decisions under the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, relevant case law, and statutory guidance.
  
• Draft thorough Section 184 decision letters.
  
• Offer guidance on housing rights, homelessness, welfare benefits, housing benefit, debt issues, security of tenure, housing options, and long-term accommodation solutions.
  
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
  
• Assist vulnerable adults and young people in maintaining independent living.
  
• Maintain precise case records and update housing systems.
  
• Identify and manage risks effectively.
  
• Contribute to ongoing service improvement and policy development.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of recent experience as a Local Authority Housing Options Officer.
  
• Extensive experience in making homelessness decisions.
  
• Deep understanding of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
  
• Proficiency in assessing eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection, and homelessness.
  
• Experience in drafting legally compliant Section 184 decisions.
  
• Ability to conduct detailed investigations and gather evidence.
  
• Experience in creating and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Strong customer service and negotiation skills.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and high caseloads.
  
• Proficiency with IT and case management systems.
  

Desirable

• Experience working within a London Borough Housing Options Service.
  
• Familiarity with Part VI of the Housing Act 1996.
  
• Experience dealing with vulnerable households and complex needs cases.
  
• Experience in homelessness prevention and relief duty functions.
  

What's on Offer?

• £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working Arrangement
  
• Minimum 3 Office Days on Alternative Weeks
  
• Location: Sutton
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join an experienced Housing Advice & Assessment Team
  
• Manage a diverse caseload in homelessness and housing options
  
• Potential for contract extension
  

This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Housing Advisor, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Housing Solutions Officer, Temporary Accommodation Officer, or Section 184 Decision Maker.