Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer
Join to apply for the Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer role at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
Fixed Term until 31/03/2028 • Location: Richmond
Overview
Objective of role: We are looking for a capable and ambitious individual keen to help families and individuals facing homelessness to help support them in their homelessness journey and adhere to legislative guidance as well as policy and procedures.
Responsibilities
* Work with households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to sustain current housing where possible, or secure alternative, suitable and affordable accommodation.
* Hold a personal caseload and agree practical and reasonable steps for the Council and the household to prevent and/or relieve homelessness.
* Provide a flexible and responsive housing advice service for applicants, staff and partner agencies; manage expectations and, where needed, carry out home visits to assess homelessness and housing sustainability.
* Engage with and collaborate with families and individuals requiring housing assistance; negotiate with landlords to prevent and relieve homelessness.
* Write reasoned decision letters, carry out interviews, and produce high-standard case notes and assessments.
* Demonstrate resilience, organisation, and the ability to work in a busy front-line environment with complex needs.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
* Knowledge of why people become homeless and relevant housing options to prevent or relieve homelessness.
* Strong knowledge of services, benefits, and support available to households with housing concerns.
* Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and guidance.
* Experience of carrying out interviews, investigations, negotiations.
* Resilience to work in a fast-paced service and with customers with complex needs.
* Strong organisational skills and effective record keeping; ability to work to performance targets and deadlines.
About the Role
You will work proactively and collaboratively with households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to assist them to sustain their current housing where possible, or to secure alternative, suitable and affordable accommodation.
You will hold a personal caseload of households and agree practical steps for the Council and households to take to prevent and/or relieve homelessness. Households may include private or social tenants, homeowners, those evicted by family members or facing relationship breakdown, and may be vulnerable or have complex needs.
You will provide a flexible and responsive service for applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, ensuring comprehensive housing advice is available for customers, staff and partner agencies while managing expectations.
Some home visits may be required to assess homelessness and housing sustainability.
Recruitment Timeline
* Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025
* Shortlisting Date: Week commencing Monday 29 September 2025
* Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Useful Information & Benefits
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and to promoting equality and diversity. We are a Disability Confident employer and will provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process if required. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Benefits include 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
Documents
* Anonymised Application Guide for candidates.pdf
* Job Profile.docx
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