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Job Title: Homeless Officer
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Contract Type: Temporary
Salary: £18 per hour
About Us
Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.
About the Role
A wonderful opportunity has arisen with our client at Dorset Council as a Homeless Officer. In this role, you will support individuals and families facing homelessness, conducting assessments, developing action plans, and working closely with local agencies to help secure safe housing. You'll manage a caseload, provide guidance, and ensure access to relevant support services, making a meaningful impact in the community.
What is the day-to-day of the role:
- Ensure consistent implementation of the Council's housing and homelessness duty.
- Provide tailored housing advice to clients and maintain accurate case records.
- Help clients overcome barriers to securing and maintaining accommodation, including advice on income, benefits, debt, and employment.
- Prevent and relieve homelessness by negotiating with landlords, sourcing alternative housing, and collaborating with other agencies.
- Create and update Personal Housing Plans to prevent homelessness.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2018.
- Experience in managing homelessness cases and conducting investigations under relevant housing laws.
- Strong ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with public bodies and partner agencies (e.g., Adult and Children's Services, Probation, NHS, Police, housing providers).
- Excellent communication skills to provide advice on housing options, including low-cost home ownership.
- Ability to apply client confidentiality and manage sensitive situations professionally.
- Case management experience, including creating and maintaining accurate Personal Housing Plans.
- Ability to attend court hearings and represent clients where necessary.
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of income maximisation, benefits, and debt recovery strategies.
- Experience with multi-agency initiatives to prevent homelessness.
Why join us:
Apply today to join our team as a Homeless Officer and help make a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness in Dorset!
Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
