About the Role and our Ideal Candidate
A Homeless Persons Officer, is a technical specialist focused on detailed rigorous investigations and robust decision-making. This role will deliver an effective statutory homelessness service, ensuring the delivery of timely decisions to our customers.
This role manages a caseload to determine eligibility for assistance and make complex and sometimes contentious decisions on whether a statutory homelessness duty arises.
Working strictly within the framework of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, robust decision letters will need to stand up to legal scrutiny. It is crucial to correctly interpret relevant legislation, new case law, as well as having a clear understanding of tenure and housing rights.
This role needs to be able to identify risks and take appropriate action to mitigate them, forging effective working relationships with internal and external partners to support vulnerable adults and young people.
In this job role you will:
This role requires an in-depth working knowledge of making complex homelessness decisions and applying this specifically to VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended 2002), Homeless Reduction Act 2017, Regulation of Investigatory Power Act 2000 (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Homeless Code of Guidance, Renters Right Act 2025, Localism Act 2011, Deregulation Act 2015, Housing Act 2004, Protection from Eviction Act 1977, security of tenure, welfare and Housing Benefits.
It is essential that the candidate has experience in providing support, advice, and guidance in a complex environment. We are looking for 3 years experience in a similar role having a high level of competence.
About You
You will have significant experience making complex homelessness decisions and possess an in-depth working knowledge of housing legislation, specifically Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended 2002) and Homeless Reduction Act 2017 as well as housing options, security of tenure, welfare benefits, and immigration legislation.
Strong investigative skills are required, with the ability to identify gaps in evidence and request relevant documentation from third parties.
We are looking for a practitioner who combines process expertise with the ability to analyse complex information. You will also be capable of collecting and evaluating information to draw conclusions supported by reasoned argument. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, as is the ability to maintain accurate case records using IT systems.
We are looking for someone with a customer‑focused attitude who can show empathy while resolving complex issues, being resilient and capable of managing difficult conversations and negative decisions and finding opportunities to offer support. You must be able to manage expectations through negotiation and influence to effect positive changes in customer behaviour to achieve the best outcomes.
You will need to be highly organised, able to manage a caseload and tasks to meet deadlines. You must be able to collect and evaluate data to draw conclusions supported by reasoned argument.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits to enable staff to achieve a work life balance, some of which include:
* A generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro‑rata if part‑time working hours apply) depending on service and grade
* Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave
* Two volunteering days per year
* Flexible Working – Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
* Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
* Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
* Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
* Interest free season ticket loans
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
* Electric vehicle leasing scheme
* Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support
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