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 (as amended by the Homelessness Act ) and the Homelessness Reduction Act, 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 apply this specifically VII of the Housing Act (as amended ), Homeless Reduction Act, Regulation of Investigatory Power Act (RIPA) and Investigatory Powers Act, Homeless Code of Guidance, Renters Right Act, Localism Act, Deregulation Act, Housing Act, Protection from Eviction Act, 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 (as amended ) and Homeless Reduction Act 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 analyze 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.
About Us
Sutton is a borough defined by ambition, community and change. We are proud of our strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods and commitment to delivering services that make a real difference. We are determined to ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.
Housing is central to our mission. As a Homeless Persons Officer, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering an effective and efficient Statutory Homelessness assessment service.
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:
1. 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
2. Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
3. Two volunteering days per year
4. Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
5. Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
6. Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
7. Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
8. Interest free season ticket loans
9. Local Government Pension Scheme
10. Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
11. Electric vehicle leasing scheme
12. Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support