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Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer

Job Description

Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer


Lewisham
3 Months Initial Contract
37 hours per week
Summary:
We are seeking a Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer for the London Borough of Lewisham. This role involves providing high-quality homeless prevention, support, and advice to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Role:
The key responsibilities include:

  • Providing comprehensive homeless prevention, support, and advice services.
  • Assessing customers presenting to the Council to determine owed duties and available housing options.
  • Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Homelessness legislation and case law.
  • Developing specialist knowledge and skills for flexible and responsive service delivery.
  • Maintaining accurate casework and data records.


Additional tasks and responsibilities:

  1. Preventing and resolving homelessness through advice and information on housing rights and obligations.
  2. Promoting and delivering the Council's homeless prevention agenda.
  3. Providing advice on the Council's obligations under housing legislation.
  4. Investigating homelessness cases and issuing legally robust S184 decision letters.
  5. Maintaining detailed case notes and reports, updating records, and responding to enquiries.
  6. Providing advice and practical assistance on security of tenure across all types of tenure.
  7. Investigating landlord and tenant disputes and intervening as required.
  8. Providing information about debt counseling and money advice services.
  9. Negotiating with landlords, banks, and other entities on behalf of customers.
  10. Assessing vulnerable customers' support and housing needs.
  11. Developing and maintaining knowledge of vulnerable single customers' support needs.
  12. Referring customers to supported accommodation services and ensuring move-on pathways.
  13. Liaising with other statutory services for vulnerable customers.


The Candidate:
We are looking for a candidate with:

  • Previous experience in a similar role.
  • Thorough knowledge of homelessness legislation and duties owed to homeless persons.
  • Experience of issuing detailed S184 decision letters.
  • Experience working in a demanding front-line service in a housing environment.
  • Experience dealing with confrontational situations and providing support to vulnerable client groups.


Additional requirements:

  1. Experience advocating on behalf of customers.
  2. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate reports and case notes.
  3. Strong communication and negotiation skills.
  4. Ability to work effectively as part of a busy team.
  5. Ability to manage a caseload independently.


The Contract:

  • 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
  • Initial 3-month contract with potential to extend or become permanent.


How to Apply:
To apply for this role, please email a copy of your CV to alex.yates@servicecare.org.uk or call 01772 208966. If the role is more suited to someone you know, we offer a £250 referral bonus for every successfully referred candidate!