The role holder will be responsible for delivering high-quality advice and assessment services to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes conducting thorough investigations into homelessness applications, ensuring all necessary enquiries are completed, and meeting relevant statutory duties, performance targets, and the provision of suitable temporary accommodation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing homelessness cases from initiation to resolution, ensuring all applications are fully assessed and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Collaborating with external partners, landlords, and internal accommodation providers to maximise housing options and prevent homelessness wherever possible.
- Promoting the use of private sector accommodation and assisting service users in accessing additional support services, such as furniture provision and rent deposit schemes.
- Conducting home visits as needed to address potential evictions from family members or friends, and taking proactive steps to prevent homelessness.
- Issuing statutory decisions and ensuring that any required notices are served in compliance with legal requirements.
- Supporting the management of temporary accommodation schemes, particularly when demand is high or during staff absences.
- Reviewing and assessing safeguarding referrals, ensuring cases are referred as appropriate in line with safeguarding protocols.
- Coordinating referrals to additional services, such as food assistance, furniture, and financial support, for individuals in need.
- Delivering training and sharing best practices with colleagues and external stakeholders on homelessness prevention strategies.
- Representing the service at meetings, case conferences, and relevant forums, including those that may occur outside of regular working hours.
- Assisting with the collection of rent for temporary accommodation units, monitoring arrears, and supporting debt recovery processes.
- Ensuring the appropriate allocation of accommodation to individuals entitled to support under relevant duties.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of strategies aimed at preventing and addressing homelessness.
- Working closely with the Lettings team to ensure the effective allocation of suitable accommodation for service users.
- Supporting the efficient operation of the service, including managing out-of-hours emergencies, working across various locations, maintaining accurate case records, and providing performance updates to management.