We are recruiting a Homeless Relief Officer which deals with homeless application coming from Home Office accommodation. They would be responsible for assessing clients under the Housing Act 1996 and carrying out enquiries and conducting Housing assessments. The successful person will be required to work from the town hall in Reigate.
We will only allow a maximum of 1 day per week working from home. Ideally people with experience of Locata Housing software. It is also desirable to speak multiple languages. It is a full time 3 month position.
Responsibilities
- To provide expert, comprehensive advice by telephone or face to face to those calling the Council's housing advice line, including on these topics:
- Housing and tenancy rights in both the private & social rental sectors, as well as for homeowners
- Basic financial advice including welfare benefits, maximising income and tackling debt
- Housing options including private rental sector, housing register, direct access accommodation, supported housing, hostels and refuges, government home ownership schemes
- The council's role in assisting those at risk of losing their home under homelessness legislation (Part 7 Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 etc.)
- To be the department Housing duty officer on a rota basis. The role will provide technical advice to the triage officer and will assess client's eligibility and homeless to determine any duties owed by the council including provision of interim accommodation.
- To represent the Council at internal & external meetings relevant to the role, for example:
- MARAC & MAPPA (on a rota basis)
- Team around the Person/family meetings
- To be part of a duty rota providing an officer presence at the Town Hall in Reigate.
- To take ownership of & develop expertise in a particular area such as care leavers, army discharge, substance misuse etc. on behalf of the team
Qualifications
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent
HNC in Housing Studies or equivalent
Experience and achievements
Experience of delivering housing advice or tenancy support
Comprehensive knowledge of housing legislation, tenancy rights, and the benefits system.
Experience of working in a local authority housing department, for a Registered Social Landlord or a third sector organisation in a capacity which involves providing housing advice to the public
Experience of liaising with statutory, non-statutory and voluntary agencies.
Experience of dealing with vulnerable and/or demanding clients.