Job Description
Your new companyBirmingham City Council is seeking a dedicated and customer-focused Housing Needs Officer to join our dynamic Housing Solutions Service. This is a vital role supporting residents who are experiencing housing difficulties, threatened with homelessness, or in need of urgent advice.Your new roleYou will work directly with individuals and families across the city, assessing their circumstances, preventing homelessness wherever possible, and ensuring that statutory duties are delivered effectively and with compassion. This role is a full-time, ongoing temporary position working on a rota basis.The key responsibilities of this role include:
* Providing specialist housing advice to residents, including homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment, and rights/responsibilities under housing law.
* Conducting thorough assessments under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, determining eligibility, priority need, and local connection.
* Developing and implementing Personal Housing Plans tailored to each client's circumstances.
* Working proactively to prevent homelessness, negotiating with landlords, families, and other agencies.
* Managing a caseload, ensuring timely, accurate record-keeping and compliance with statutory guidance.
* Liaising with internal and external partners, including support services, housing associations, private landlords, and voluntary-sector organisations.
* Providing a professional, empathetic and efficient service to residents in often challenging situations.
What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will need:
* Experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, case management, or a related public-facing role.
* Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant case law (or the ability to learn quickly).
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and complex situations.
* A commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and achieving positive outcomes.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* The ability to work collaboratively with partners and build effective relationships.
* To be able to commit to shifts between the hours of 8am and 8pm 7 days a week
What you'll get in returnYou will receive a competitive hourly rate (£14.12 p/h inclusive of holiday allowance) with an uplift after 12 weeks (£16.77 per hour inclusive of holiday allowance).. This role offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to make a real impact in managing peoples lives. You will also receive relevant training to support your development. What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk