Housing Options Officer South West England Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Hybrid working, Duty rota 2 days a week 3 to 6 month ongoing contract Role Purpose Provide advice, information and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Help applicants to explore their housing options and find suitable accommodation that meets their needs. To work with a range of partners and agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community. Main Duties and Responsibilities - Offer advice and information on topics such as homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights and security of tenure. Make advice accessible to all applicants and help them avoid or resolve homelessness and secure long-term housing solutions. - Make enquiries and collect all relevant information from the applicant including financial statements or health information and carry out other verification checks as necessary, including authorised communication with statutory and voluntary agencies to support decision making. Progress all homeless applications (Part 6 and 7 applications) under current legislation, ensuring compliance to the Homelessness Code of Guidance. - Carry out an assessment of circumstances and needs to identify what has caused the homelessness or threat of homelessness and the housing needs of the applicant and any support needs to be able to secure and retain accommodation. Following the assessment, create a personalised housing plan with the applicant to help them retain or find accommodation. - Decide on what duties are owed to the applicant (e.g., interim duty, prevention duty, relief duty), progressing all homeless applications, notifying applicants within target times whilst ensuring all decisions comply with current legislation. Make referrals to partner agencies and organisations to help with issues such as access to private rented accommodation, benefits, relationship breakdown, debt, budgeting, warrant, substance misuse, domestic abuse, rough sleeping, mental health, health, support, complex needs and learning difficulties. Requirements - Good knowledge of Homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Suitability Order 2012, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) - Good understanding of Landlord and tenant law - Effective written and verbal communication - Experience of working in a housing association, local authority or housing department for a minimum of 3 years - Experience of dealing with the public and in particular vulnerable applicants - Ability to work as part of a team If you are interested in this position AND meet the requirements, APPLY NOW!