Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer

My client is looking for an experienced Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer to join a proactive Housing Needs team. You will play a crucial role in tackling homelessness, supporting some of the city's most vulnerable residents, and ensuring legal duties are met with compassion and professionalism.

This is a contract position offering flexible hybrid working and the chance to support vulnerable individuals and families through prevention-focused casework and statutory housing support.

The Role
·Provide tailored housing advice and homelessness prevention support to at-risk households.
·Complete assessments in line with Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
·Draft and issue S184 decision letters that are accurate, timely, and legally compliant.
·Prevent homelessness by negotiating with landlords, supporting tenancy sustainment, and using tools like Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).
·Advise on housing rights, security of tenure, welfare benefits, and legal remedies.
·Handle cases involving illegal evictions or harassment, intervening or referring as appropriate.
·Liaise with internal teams and external partners to secure accommodation and support for vulnerable clients.

Key Requirements
·Solid knowledge of homelessness legislation, Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
·Experience issuing S184 decisions and managing complex housing caseloads.
·Frontline housing advice experience in a local authority or similar environment.
·Strong negotiation, written, and communication skills.
·Working knowledge of welfare benefits and housing-related support services.
·Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.
·Willingness to carry out home visits, court appearances, or work from various locations when required.

How to Apply
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed).
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.