Housing Options Officer

Red Snapper Recruitment are recruiting for a Housing Options Officer based in Bolton.

The purpose of this role is to assist and support the delivery of a high-quality Housing Options & Advice Service for homeless persons, those threatened with homelessness and others in housing need.

Provide for all aspects of homelessness and housing advice casework from contact / initial application, assessment, decision, provision / securing of prevention and relief assistance through the delivery of statutory homelessness prevention, relief and other assistance via related policies and practices.

This is a full-time 37 hours (Mon - Fri), 3 month contract, offering a salary of £15.24 per hour.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To fulfil relevant duties including prevention and relief of homelessness within scope of all relevant legislation, policy and practice: receive enquiries; obtain necessary information.
• To undertake assessments of; and develop plans for customers seeking advice & assistance with housing related matters including homelessness, in various settings/locations as directed
• Provide advice, options and assistance including via liaison, negotiation and advocacy with other services and agencies as appropriate in order to meet need.
• To have a working knowledge of: housing, homelessness and related legislation; associated Code(s) of Guidance, local policies & procedures; and have an awareness of changes in legislation, policy guidance and current practice
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge and understanding of related service provision and processes locally
• To actively work, liaise and negotiate with internal and external customers / agencies (including private and public sector landlords)
• To prevent and relieve homelessness; increase awareness of relevant legislation; promote good practice; and where necessary instigating multi-agency case meetings on potentially difficult and complex cases
• To support and encourage customers (Including those who may be homeless) through appropriate techniques
• To take responsibility for and engage in actions to address their own housing and other needs as appropriate, including through negotiation with support services to sustain successful outcomes
• To provide specialist advice and information on housing options, advice, homelessness and allocations as well as general advice on related matters
• To represent the Council and the service ensuring collaborative case-working, contributing to service development and reporting on progress to management in all liaison and work with internal and external services / agencies on matters concerning housing options & homelessness within the Borough
• To check and maintain all case file records in good order, ensure data base records are accurate & up to date
• Dealing with correspondence to and from internal / external customers including Councillors and MPs
• Highlight emerging trends and issues with team leaders and management
• To assist in administration of small cash float including for customers' travelling expenses, emergency accommodation or collection of fees for printed material

Person Specification

• Experience in taking homeless presentations and assessments under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the homelessness reduction act 2017)
• Knowledge of Housing Law, Private Rented or Public Rented Sector
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and guidance
• Ability to make decisions / recommend appropriate action, advice and assistance on cases where households may have complex circumstances
• 2 years experience of working in a housing related area
• Experience of dealing with customers, both internal and external
• Knowledge, understanding & practical awareness of Safeguarding children & vulnerable adults
• Ability to work as part of a team and under own supervision using initiative
• Demonstrate effective organisational skills, with the ability to plan, develop and prioritise work

Role is subject to DBS check at the relevant level.

If you would like to be considered for this position and have the relevant experience, then APPLY NOW!

Alternatively, if this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested please refer them. We have a referral bonus scheme and will pay £75, in retail vouchers of your choice, for referrals who are not already known to us.

Due to the high volume of applications received, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, I am afraid your application has been unsuccessful.

We are a dedicated recruitment company providing top quality professionals and services to Housing Providers across the UK.

Red Snapper Recruitment is a member of the Red Snapper Group.

The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) - a free and confidential service to candidates.

The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.