Job Description: Strategic Housing Lead - Homelessness
To provide expert legal, case management advice and guidance to front line staff working within homelessness and council officers, ensuring that robust operational procedures are in place and consistently reviewed.
To monitor and challenge the delivery of the front line homelessness and housing advice service to ensure a consistent, high quality service is provided meeting the statutory obligations of the Council and the contractual obligations of the provider.
To undertake performance management of contracts funded using homelessness budgets.
To act as the strategic housing lead in respect of health and homelessness.
To ensure continuous development and improvement of the front line staff working within homelessness to encapsulate best practice, legal changes, governmental agendas and guidance.
Key Requirements:
1. Maintain up-to-date, expert knowledge of homelessness legislation, the Code of Guidance, associated legislation, and case law to assess applications from people approaching the authority as homeless and make decisions under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
2. Respond verbally and in writing to reviews related to S184 decisions and offers under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, including those from solicitors, MPs, councillors, and other advocates.
3. Respond to requests for S213/198 referrals.
4. Support the Council's service provider in developing and directing front line staff within homelessness, ensuring high-quality casework compliant with procedures and legislation. Develop performance targets to ensure service and corporate objectives are achieved, comparing with top national services.
5. Develop and update operational procedures related to homelessness for front line staff, ensuring they are current, legislation-compliant, and support best practice.
6. Work with the service provider to ensure timely movement of households in temporary and supported accommodation to minimize costs and optimize resource use.
7. Assist and support front line staff in interviewing customers with complex or challenging behaviors or special needs.
8. Provide specialist advice on homelessness legislation and related issues, including guidance on decisions subject to legal challenge.
9. Manage the Homelessness Prevention budget, including authorizing payments and maximizing income, and maintaining records of the Homelessness Prevention Fund.
10. Act as the strategic housing lead for health and homelessness, representing housing at joint meetings and collaborating with statutory partners to meet objectives.
11. Develop and deliver training to external agency staff on homelessness prevention.
12. Oversee performance management of contracts funded by homelessness budgets, including developing frameworks and leading procurement processes.
13. Collaborate with colleagues and partners to develop current and future strategies, including the Homelessness Strategy, providing key data and analysis.
14. Lead on specific projects identified through the Council's Housing and Homelessness Strategy.
15. Represent the authority at local and regional levels to develop integrated approaches to homelessness and support sub-regional partnerships.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this in your application.
Our Vision and Values:
We aim for vibrant, safe neighborhoods and opportunities for healthier, fulfilled lives, supporting a sustainable economy. Our three missions focus on making Oldham a great place to live, healthier lives, and a green, growing economy.
* Work with a resident focus
* Support local leaders
* Be committed to the borough
* Deliver high performance
* Take ownership and drive change
Benefits:
* 25 days annual leave, increasing after 5 and 10 years
* Option to purchase additional leave
* LGPS pension scheme with voluntary contributions
* Discounted gym membership
* Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, travel, and more
* Salary sacrifice schemes for home electronics and cycling
* Wellbeing support, including Mental Health First Aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme
* Recognition and celebration events
* Peer support groups
Inclusive Recruitment:
We support flexible working and workplace adjustments. Applicants with disabilities, those previously in or currently in care, carers, or Armed Forces veterans who meet the criteria are guaranteed assessment under our scheme.
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