Job Description
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable households? Do you have the skills and drive to support individuals on their journey to secure stable housing?
Our key public sector client is seeking a dedicated Homeless Intervention Officer to join their dynamic Housing Options Team in Crawley, West Sussex. This is a full time role (36 hours each week, Monday to Friday) and initially for 3 months (with every possibility of being extended should you perform well!).
About the Role:As a Homeless Intervention Officer, you will play a crucial role in assisting households in temporary accommodation to identify pathways to long-term housing. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct needs assessments and provide tailored support to ensure successful transitions to permanent homes.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide comprehensive, accurate and clear interventions within the provisions of Part VII and Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 Localism Act 2011 and discharging any subsequent duties.
* Cover all aspects of Housing and Support Need Assessments, Suitability Assessments and Affordability Assessments as defined in current Law and the Code of Guidance.
* Ensure that all eligible households have an active application to the Council's Housing Register and that they are in the correct priority banding.
* Give appropriate advice to households who are not eligible or do not qualify to join the Housing Register to seek alternative pathways to discharge the main housing duty.
* Prepare households for final accommodation offers and aid understanding on the timescales and types of accommodation that will be offered to bring the council's duties to an end.
* Assist in minimising the use of temporary accommodation by ensuring the flow of work through the service to bring the Council's statutory duties to an end is as effective and efficient as possible.
* Initiate contact, liaise and make referrals to other services, local authorities, voluntary and statutory agencies, and other official bodies as appropriate to help bring the Council's statutory duties to an end.
* Assist people to secure accommodation in the private sector and assess applications for their eligibility to the Council's Deposit Service under the agreed criteria
* Bring statutory duties to an end through legally compliant PRSO and Discharge of Duty letters.
* Provide recommendations on Service Improvement as a result of the interventions completed and outcomes achieved.
What We Are Looking For:
o Skills and Abilities:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and adaptability.
- Experience in accurate case documentation and assessments.
+ Knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of housing legislation, including the Housing Act and Homelessness Reduction Act.
- Familiarity with welfare benefits and the private rented sector.
# Experience:
- Proven experience in homelessness services and customer interaction.
- Experience in conducting housing and support needs assessments.
Qualifications:
# Relevant qualifications in homelessness training or a related field.
# High level of numeracy and literacy, ideally with at least A-Level qualifications.
Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria and can interview in late March/early April 2026 need apply.