__________________
_______________________
_____________________
_____________________
____________________
__________________
_________________________
___________________
_____________________
_______________________
Location: Cardiff or Swansea office with some travel to Bridgend County Borough Council (They are developing a flexible and hybrid working approach for all staff with a minimum requirement of 1 day per week in the office) Hours: 35 hours per week Post No: SC727 Background to our client's organisation Our client's organisation is the people and homes charity in Wales and works for the prevention of homelessness, the improvement of housing conditions, and the right of everyone to a safe, suitable and affordable home. They understand the damage that bad housing causes. Every day they deal with the effect it has on people's lives. The post holder's office base will be split between the local authority's offices in Bridgend, our Cardiff/Swansea office as and when required, alongside working from home. You will be part of a team who provide a National Housing Advice Service through a mixture of centre, court and surgery based services. The delivery and development of National Housing Advice services is one of the primary means by which our client fulfils its aims and objectives of preventing homelessness and improving bad housing conditions. You will be expected to make a significant contribution to the successful delivery and development of these services 1.0 Key responsibilities 1.1.1Providing appropriate advice, information and where necessary, practical help, to clients referred by Bridgend CBC Housing Solutions team, whether by visit, telephone, letter or email. When appropriate, to advocate on behalf of clients in the appropriate forums. 1.1.2To provide support and guidance (if required) to staff of the Housing Solutions and other Bridgend CBC teams, around housing/homelessness matters. 1.3 Ensure that all casework records are kept up-to-date, are accessible to other staff and that all local casework information systems are maintained effectively. 1.4 Ensure that information is recorded and provided as necessary for Bridgend CBC, and for the Welsh Government Housing Support Grant Framework. 1.5 Actively participate in file review meetings and all other evaluation structures designed to maintain and improve the quality and standards of casework provision. 1.6 Identify opportunities to effect positive change to housing policy in Wales and pursue such opportunities in liaison with the line manager and other staff. 1.7 Participate in policy meetings and ensure that work in progress is communicated to other relevant staff. 1.8 Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to promote the housing rights service to other agencies and potential funders. 1.9 Assist in the development of team work plans, within the overall planning procedure, and to be responsible for individual performance against agreed team objectives. 1.10 Participate in policy conferences, seminars and events and to respond to requests for information from the media in consultation with the line manager and other relevant staff 2.0 General 2.1 Participate as and when required in team and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, relevant to the role. 2.2 Ensure all activities comply with appropriate legal requirements and with company policies and procedures. 2.3 Demonstrate commitment to the aims and objectives of the organisation and the implementation of its Equal Opportunities policy and Welsh Language Scheme in the workplace. 2.5 To support the work of volunteers and other placements as requested In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined, you must be prepared to undertake such additional duties which may result from changing circumstances, but which may not of necessity change the general character or level of responsibility to the post. You will be subject to a performance review which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period. As the post may involve working with vulnerable people, your employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Scheme check. Role specification: Homelessness Prevention Adviser Knowledge, Skills and Experience Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively in both one-to-one situations and to larger audiences. Ability to write both clearly and concisely in a variety of formats and skills in explaining complex information to non-specialist audiences. In-depth experience of providing advice in the voluntary, statutory or private sector. Undertakes a range of different activities, which will require on occasions, independent actions, decisions and a level of personal judgement with potential impact on users, staff and/or the organisation. Proven negotiating skills. Able to speak Welsh fluently. Working knowledge of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, and the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, and what this means for homelessness prevention services Experience of working to and achieving agreed targets within set budget Experience of dealing with people with complex needs and challenging behaviour A working knowledge of housing and housing-related benefits law, regulations and guidance. An understanding of the housing and voluntary sector in Wales. Plans and organises a broad number of activities, some of which are ongoing, which require the formulation or adjustment of plans. Confident in use of word, email, internet and able to undertake degree of own administration including maintaining accurate records. Full driving licence and access to a vehicle. Works flexibly which will include travelling to other locations/surgeries in an acceptably time-efficient manner, and on occasion, working outside usual office hours. Please return your completed application by email to the email link provided. An application form and guidelines can be found online on our Vacancies page