Our local authority client based in Slough are urgently seeking an experienced Housing Needs Officer.
*£21.80 an hour PAYE
*Hybrid working: 2/3 days a week in the office
Role purpose
To deliver a high quality and customer focussed housing needs service, including housing advice and homelessness services.
To use every available resource to tackle housing need and prevent homelessness in accordance to relevant legislation, policies and procedures. To contribute to the development, cohesion and integration of the wider housing service
Knowledge -
* Knowledge of current housing law, immigration and related legislation, case law, policies and good practice. Including Protection from Eviction Act 1977, relevant Housing Acts and Homelessness Acts.
* Knowledge and good conceptual understanding of issues affecting the private rented sector e.g. overcrowding, different tenure types etc; and the legislation which determines these standards.
* Good understanding of how to apply housing benefits procedures, welfare benefits and debt counselling in an advisory capacity.
* Knowledge of county and magistrates court procedures in relation to repossession and criminal law (e.g. harassment, unlawful evictions, etc.
Experience –
* Experience of working in Housing Advice, Homelessness or Tenancy Relations role.
* Experience of providing services to a diverse client group, managing difficult and vulnerable customers professionally and effectively, within the context of a front line customer focused service.
* Experience of working in confidential situations with an understanding of when & how to share sensitive information with customers and relevant agencies.
* Experience of developing and delivering an excellent service to all customers including staff.
* Experience of homelessness and Housing Advice casework, file management and accurate recording of information.
Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained.
At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful