3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer is responsible for delivering proactive housing advice and support to individuals and households at risk of homelessness. • The role includes managing a caseload focused on preventing homelessness, identifying housing solutions, and working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners to deliver sustainable housing outcomes. • The post holder will ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and strategies while delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Provide detailed housing advice and options to prevent homelessness, including support with welfare benefits and Discretionary Housing Payments. • Carry out statutory homelessness assessments in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996. • Develop tailored housing plans and manage caseloads to achieve timely prevention and relief outcomes. • Build effective working relationships with private landlords, letting agents, and housing associations to secure accommodation. • Liaise with Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and external agencies to provide joined-up support. • Identify safeguarding concerns and initiate appropriate safeguarding procedures. • Maintain accurate records and case notes in line with service procedures and legal requirements. • Contribute to policy development, service improvement projects, and strategy implementation. Skills/Experience: • Experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or statutory homelessness casework. • Strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 (Part VI & VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation and codes of guidance. • Experience of working in a customer-facing role with individuals in crisis or with complex needs. • Proven ability to manage a caseload and meet performance targets and statutory deadlines. • Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and working under pressure. • Strong ICT and case management system skills, with the ability to analyse and input data accurately. • Knowledge of welfare benefits, safeguarding procedures, and housing allocations policies. Additional Information: • Full-time role: 36 Hours/week. • DBS required. • Must be able to travel for home visits and attend meetings across the Borough and outside as needed.