What's involved with this role: Job Title: Housing Triage Officer Ref: Exeter 5279678 Pay rate: £15.06 per hour PAYE Role length: Anticipated 3 months Working arrangements: Hybrid The role: We are looking for a Housing Triage Officer to provide comprehensive housing advice and assistance regarding a wide range of housing issues to ensure that the Council’s statutory duties are carried out under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018. You will ideally have prior experience as a housing homelessness officer as well as casework experience, knowledge of relevant housing and homeless legislation including Case Law and strong customer service skills. Key responsibilities: Act as the first point of contact — in person, by phone, or email — for customers facing homelessness, carrying out swift initial assessments and investigations Work closely with partner agencies, including outreach teams and hostel providers, to find creative, tailored housing solutions for clients with complex needs Manage a personal caseload, determine duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act, and deliver proactive, person-centred advice on housing rights, benefits, budgeting, and support services Take decisive action to prevent homelessness — both short- and long-term — through early intervention, including negotiating with landlords, family members, and agencies to help clients keep or regain their homes Safeguard vulnerable clients, often in crisis, by gathering key information and making timely referrals to police, domestic abuse services, children's and adult social care, and other support networks Step in for colleagues as needed to maintain high service standards and ensure smooth placement of customers into temporary accommodation Support key targets by compiling accurate data and contributing to the delivery of local housing and homelessness strategies Attend statistical case review meetings (e.g. MARAC) as directed by Team Leaders and managers What the client is looking for: Ideally prior experience as a Housing Homelessness Officer Educated to A-level or equivalent, or possess specialist knowledge obtained in a housing environment In-depth working knowledge of homeless legislation including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, The Localism Act 2011, the Housing Act 1996 part VII and part VI (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002) In-depth knowledge of law relating to landlord and tenant issues and general housing rights Working knowledge of the welfare benefits system Detailed knowledge of the support needs associated with homelessness and the role of wider agencies in the provision of care and support services Detailed understanding of safeguarding protocols Experience of using Microsoft windows packages and client information systems on a frequent basis Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of customers including those who present as high risk (a history of violent or aggressive behaviour and customers with complex medical issues) Ability to analyse complex information and legislation and make recommendations for courses of action How to Apply: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.