Homelessness Intervention & Prevention Officer

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? We're looking for a Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officer to join a dedicated housing team in South London. This is an exciting opportunity to help prevent homelessness and provide sustainable housing solutions for those in need.

• Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officer - several positions available
• Public Sector - Local Authority based in Croydon
• Temporary Role - 3 months with possible extension
• Full Time - Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week
• Grade 9 - 22.41 per hour PAYE / 29.72 per hour Umbrella
• Hybrid Working - 2 to 3 days per week in office, remainder at home
• IT equipment provided
• ASAP Start

Due to the high volume and complexity of cases, we are seeking candidates with proven, in-depth experience in homelessness prevention and housing casework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with statutory legislation, including making clear and defensible Section 184 decisions.
• Conduct thorough enquiries to establish eligibility, priority need, intentionality, and local connection, ensuring compliance with the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Develop and implement personalised housing plans (PHPs) to prevent or relieve homelessness, using creative and practical solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
• Engage proactively with applicants through interviews and casework, providing accurate advice on housing options, rights, and responsibilities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., social services, health professionals, landlords, and voluntary organisations) to secure sustainable housing outcomes.
• Negotiate effectively with landlords and housing providers to maintain tenancies and prevent eviction wherever possible.
• Produce high-quality written communications, including statutory decision letters and case notes, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with legal frameworks.
• Maintain accurate records and manage caseloads within statutory timescales, meeting performance targets and safeguarding standards.
• Apply problem-solving and negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals and families.

Essential Knowledge

• Housing Legislation:
  • Housing Act 1996 (Parts VI & VII)
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Localism Act 2011 and relevant case law
• Statutory Duties & Decision-Making:
  • Understanding of Section 184 decisions (eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection)
  • Knowledge of prevention and relief duties and main housing duty
• Safeguarding & Vulnerability:
  • Awareness of safeguarding principles for adults and children
  • Understanding of risk factors such as domestic abuse, mental health, and exploitation
• Housing Options & Welfare:
  • Familiarity with social housing, private rented sector, supported accommodation
  • Knowledge of welfare benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, DHPs)
• Multi-Agency Frameworks:
  • Ability to work within frameworks involving social services, health, probation, and voluntary agencies

• Interviewing & Assessment:
  • Ability to conduct detailed homelessness assessments and gather evidence
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving:
  • Making defensible statutory decisions under pressure
  • Creative solutions to prevent homelessness
• Communication:
  • Outstanding written skills for statutory letters and case notes
  • Strong verbal and listening skills for client engagement
• Negotiation:
  • Skilled in negotiating with landlords and housing providers to sustain tenancies
• IT & Case Management:
  • Proficiency in housing systems (e.g., Northgate, Jigsaw, Locata) and Microsoft Office
• Organisational Skills:
  • Managing complex caseloads within statutory timescales
  • Accurate record-keeping and compliance with GDPR
• Resilience & Empathy:
  • Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Additional Information

• You may be required to work across different locations and conduct home visits.
• Occasional work outside normal office hours may be necessary.

If you're committed to helping people find sustainable housing solutions and want to be part of a team that makes a real impact, apply today through Adecco.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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