Housing Options Advisor

Housing Options Advisor (Triage) – 1 Month Contract

Location: Kettering, North Northamptonshire

Rate: £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 1 Month Contract

Working Pattern: 4 Days Office-Based (Kettering) | 1 Day Remote

Hours: Full Time

DBS: Disclosure & Barring Service Check Required

Driving Licence: Full UK Driving Licence and access to own vehicle required

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are in search of a skilled Housing Options Advisor (Triage) to temporarily join our dynamic Housing Solutions team. This position is crucial for conducting initial assessments for individuals facing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, with a strong focus on prevention and securing positive housing solutions. The role involves evaluating eligibility, homelessness status, and priority needs, including determining obligations under Section 188 for interim accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the initial contact for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
  
• Perform triage and comprehensive housing needs assessments.
  
• Evaluate:
  • Eligibility
    
  • Homelessness status
    
  • Priority need considerations
    
  • Interim accommodation duties (Section 188)
    
• Offer advice on homelessness prevention and housing options.
  
• Complete Full Housing Assessments (FHAs).
  
• Create and implement Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
  
• Negotiate with landlords, family members, and support agencies to avert homelessness.
  
• Provide personalized advice and support tailored to individual needs.
  
• Handle a diverse caseload in line with homelessness legislation and guidance.
  
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.
  
• Identify and address safeguarding concerns appropriately.
  
• Maintain detailed case records and documentation.
  
• Contribute to reducing homelessness and reliance on temporary housing.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Recent experience as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, or Housing Needs Officer.
  
• Proficiency in conducting homelessness assessments and triage functions.
  
• In-depth knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
    
  • Relevant case law
    
• Experience in assessing homelessness duties and eligibility.
  
• Skilled in creating Personal Housing Plans.
  
• Experience in managing prevention and relief cases.
  
• Strong interviewing, assessment, and investigative skills.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
  
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable populations.
  

Desirable

• CIH qualification or equivalent in housing.
  
• Experience within a Local Authority Housing Solutions Team.
  
• Familiarity with housing allocations and welfare benefits.
  
• Experience working with rough sleepers, single homelessness, and vulnerable groups.
  

What's on Offer?

• £30.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 1 Month Contract
  
• 4 Days Office-Based in Kettering
  
• 1 Day Remote Working
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to join a supportive Housing Solutions team
  
• Engaging role focused on homelessness prevention and positive housing outcomes
  
• Immediate start available
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Housing Options Advisor, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Prevention Officer, Housing Advisor, or Triage Officer within a Local Authority Housing Service.