Job Title: Housing Solutions Officer
Location: Romford
Job Type: Temporary
Duration of booking: 6 months with possible extension
Start date: ASAP
Pay Rates: £20.28 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay
Hours / Working Days: 36 hours per week (Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends as required)
Job Purpose
To deliver a high-quality housing advice and homelessness prevention service on behalf of the Council. The role involves assessing and investigating homelessness applications under the Housing Act 1996 (Part 7) and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, developing Personalised Housing Plans, and working proactively to prevent homelessness and reduce temporary accommodation use.
The post holder will support vulnerable residents, provide expert advice on housing options across public and private sectors, and ensure compliance with all relevant housing, health, and social care legislation.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver a professional housing options and homelessness service, conducting detailed interviews, assessments, and investigations in line with statutory duties.
* Develop and maintain Personalised Housing Plans to prevent or relieve homelessness.
* Provide comprehensive advice on housing options, including private renting, social housing, shared ownership, and relocation schemes.
* Undertake homelessness prevention activities such as landlord mediation, debt management, and referrals for tenancy sustainment.
* Conduct case investigations, issue statutory decision letters (S184), and prepare reports for internal and external use.
* Attend court when required to represent the Council in homelessness or judicial review cases.
* Collaborate with Adult and Children’s Social Care, health services, and voluntary agencies to deliver joined-up support for clients.
* Ensure compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Care Act 2014, and Children’s Act 1989.
* Record and maintain accurate electronic casework and data submissions to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
* Promote service improvements, innovation, and cost efficiency within homelessness prevention.
* Respond to customer and stakeholder enquiries, complaints, and correspondence in a timely and professional manner.
Experience & Skills
* Strong understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996, and related case law.
* Proven experience delivering effective housing advice and homelessness prevention services.
* Skilled in conducting detailed interviews, investigations, and complex decision-making.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and statutory letters.
* Strong negotiation and advocacy skills when dealing with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies.
* Ability to manage complex caseloads, prioritise work, and meet tight deadlines.
* Good IT skills and experience using case management systems.
* Knowledge of welfare benefits, social housing access, and tenancy rights.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer-focused service delivery.
Qualifications
* Relevant work experience with strong literacy and numeracy.
* Formal training or qualification in housing or related field desirable.
Working Conditions
* 36-hour working week, with flexibility required for occasional out-of-hours work (e.g., emergencies or meetings).
* May be required to work across different Council sites.
Key Outcomes
* Homelessness prevented or relieved wherever possible.
* Accurate, timely, and legally compliant homelessness decisions.
* Effective partnership working to support vulnerable households.
* Reduced reliance on temporary accommodation.
* High levels of customer satisfaction and positive service outcomes