Housing Solutions Officer

Description

Our local government clients in Ilford, Greater London, require a Housing Solutions Officer to provide an effective, professional homelessness service, including the assessment and investigation of homelessness applications and approaches in line with the statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996, Part 7, and relevant case law. Three days site-based at local hospitals and mental health facilities.

Your key responsibilities will include:

To work with customers to develop, update and review Personalised Housing Plans for customers, considering the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and working with customers to implement these plans to ensure that homelessness is prevented or relieved through active interventions and pursuit of effective housing options.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• NVQ level 4; HND; BTEC Professional; and equivalent qualifications, or evidence of demonstrable application during experience
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

• Good knowledge of relevant Lettings, Homelessness and Housing Act legislation, including security of tenure and private tenants' rights,
• A good knowledge of services, benefits and support available to applicants experiencing housing problems.
• Good knowledge of relevant case law and Codes of Guidance.
• Experience in providing an effective advice service to members of the public.
• Experience of implementing an equality and diversity approach to service delivery.
• Experience of working in a team.
• Experience of working in a demanding front-line customer service environment.
• Experience in dealing effectively with confrontational and challenging situations. 
• Experience of working with vulnerable customers and providing appropriate support.
• Experience of working with homeless customers and those in housing need.
• Experience in carrying out interviews, investigations, and negotiations.
• Experience in adequate record keeping, including electronic.
• Experience of successfully working to performance targets and deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including active listening, advocacy and negotiation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write detailed technical letters and reports, and to direct complex interviews and convey complex advice in a way that is understandable to customers.
• Ability to gain and retain the confidence and respect of staff, service users and other contacts.
• Ability to work unsupervised, prioritise workloads and achieve targets and deadlines.
• Ability to gather information and interpret complex issues, e.g. legislation and Case Law, quickly, to think creatively about problems and identify solutions
• Ability to work effectively and even-handedly with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• IT-literate and able to use software effectively.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards customer service.
• Be self-motivated and be able to work under pressure.
• Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to be proactive and creative in preventing homelessness and resolving complex customer problems.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 3 Years References
• DBS Disclosure Required
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.