Housing Options Officer

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Housing Options Officer for our client a local government organisation in Bournemouth.

The successful candidate will assess the organisation’s housing duty to those applying for housing; as homeless or threatened with homelessness, in accordance with statute and policy and working procedures. As a member of a committed team, provide person centred housing options advice and support with a focus on preventing homelessness.

Work in a multi-disciplinary environment, collaborating with specialist services & using skills and knowledge, to respond to those with complex problems; including child protection, domestic abuse, adult safeguarding, mental health, substance misuse, learning difficulties, disabilities and other medical / social issues.

This is initially a 3 month contract with the possibility to extend after that date. This role is fully remote working, however there must be attendance on the first day for an induction.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Provide specialist advice on a range of complex housing options and homeless prevention initiatives.
• Hold a caseload & carry out detailed legal assessments of applications for housing, making decisions on all aspects of housing or homelessness applications including verification, eligibility, housing need and support.
• Determine the support needs of households in housing need and refer to specialist providers where appropriate.
• Participate in Housing Options Duty Rota, providing excellent customer service in respect of a range of complex and contentious housing enquiries, through a range of communication channels, online, face to face & in the community.
• Lead multi-agency case meetings for households with complex problems.
• Act as housing lead in response to serious domestic abuse, child protection, adult safeguarding etc. where clients have identified housing needs.
• Effectively manage a caseload through personal housing plans, communication strategies and effective record keeping.
• Provide affidavit evidence in cases where legal review is triggered.
• Apply client confidentiality procedures to investigations undertaken and to follow guidance in relation to lone working where there are potential risks to personal safety.

Personal Requirements:

• Must have Locata knowledge.
• Experience of providing professional advice to people in housing need or a relevant sector.
• Experience of working for a range of different vulnerable clients (e.g. victims of domestic abuse, mental health, offenders, substance misuse, young people, learning or other disabilities).
• Experience of managing a caseload and developing support plans.
• Qualified to L4 Diploma or equivalent experience.

Working Hours: 37hrs / 9:00am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £20.70 p/h

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.