Job Description
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Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? We're looking for a Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officer to join a dedicated housing team in South London. This is an exciting opportunity to help prevent homelessness and provide sustainable housing solutions for those in need.
- Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Officer
- Public Sector - Local Authority
- Full Time - Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week
- Grade 9 - £22.41 per hour PAYE / £29.72 per hour Umbrella
- Hybrid Working - 2 to 3 days per week in office, remainder at home
- IT equipment provided
- ASAP Start
- Temp to Fixed-Term Contract after 12 weeks. The FTC is set to last until October / November 2026. Please note: once the FTC commences, payment will be PAYE only, as Umbrella rates do not apply to council employment.
Due to the high volume and complexity of cases, we are seeking candidates with proven, in-depth experience in homelessness prevention and housing casework.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with statutory legislation, including making clear and defensible Section 184 decisions.
- Conduct thorough enquiries to establish eligibility, priority need, intentionality, and local connection, ensuring compliance with the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Develop and implement personalised housing plans (PHPs) to prevent or relieve homelessness, using creative and practical solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
- Engage proactively with applicants through interviews and casework, providing accurate advice on housing options, rights, and responsibilities.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies (e.g., social services, health professionals, landlords, and voluntary organisations) to secure sustainable housing outcomes.
- Negotiate effectively with landlords and housing providers to maintain tenancies and prevent eviction wherever possible.
- Produce high-quality written communications, including statutory decision letters and case notes, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with legal frameworks.
- Maintain accurate records and manage caseloads within statutory timescales, meeting performance targets and safeguarding standards.
- Apply problem-solving and negotiation skills to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable individuals and families.
Essential Knowledge
- Housing Legislation:
- Housing Act 1996 (Parts VI & VII)
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Localism Act 2011 and relevant case law
- Statutory Duties & Decision-Making:
- Understanding of Section 184 decisions (eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection)
- Knowledge of prevention and relief duties and main housing duty
- Safeguarding & Vulnerability:
- Awareness of safeguarding principles for adults and children
- Understanding of risk factors such as domestic abuse, mental health, and exploitation
- Housing Options & Welfare:
- Familiarity with social housing, private rented sector, supported accommodation
- Knowledge of welfare benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, DHPs)
- Multi-Agency Frameworks:
- Ability to work within frameworks involving social services, health, probation, and voluntary agencies
Essential Skills
- Interviewing & Assessment:
- Ability to conduct detailed homelessness assessments and gather evidence
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving:
- Making defensible statutory decisions under pressure
- Creative solutions to prevent homelessness
- Communication:
- Outstanding written skills for statutory letters and case notes
- Strong verbal and listening skills for client engagement
- Negotiation:
- Skilled in negotiating with landlords and housing providers to sustain tenancies
- IT & Case Management:
- Proficiency in housing systems (e.g., Northgate, Jigsaw, Locata) and Microsoft Office
- Organisational Skills:
- Managing complex caseloads within statutory timescales
- Accurate record-keeping and compliance with GDPR
- Resilience & Empathy:
- Ability to handle challenging situations calmly and professionally
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Additional Information
- You may be required to work across different locations and conduct home visits.
- Occasional work outside normal office hours may be necessary.
If you're committed to helping people find sustainable housing solutions and want to be part of a team that makes a real impact, apply today through Adecco.
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