Housing Solutions Officer
Grade 6 | Homelessness Service | Children & Families Directorate
Reports to: Team Leader
Department: Housing Solutions Service
Role Purpose
To deliver a responsive, customer-focused homelessness prevention and housing advice service, supporting vulnerable residents facing housing insecurity, homelessness, or immediate accommodation crisis.
The postholder will assess housing need, manage risk, deliver statutory homelessness duties under relevant legislation, and work collaboratively with applicants and partner agencies to prevent homelessness and secure sustainable housing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Case Management & Assessment
* Conduct comprehensive housing needs and risk assessments for individuals and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness.
* Investigate housing circumstances, gather evidence, analyse complex information, and make informed decisions in line with homelessness legislation.
* Establish positive working relationships with applicants to understand needs, challenge barriers, and promote sustainable outcomes.
Homelessness Prevention & Housing Solutions
* Deliver homelessness prevention and relief interventions to help individuals remain in existing accommodation where possible.
* Develop and manage Personal Housing Plans (PHPs) that are realistic, strengths-based, and outcome focused.
* Explore a range of housing options including emergency accommodation, temporary accommodation, private rented sector opportunities, and community-based solutions.
* Provide advice, guidance, negotiation, and practical support to resolve housing issues.
Safeguarding, Risk & Support Planning
* Assess vulnerability, support needs, and housing-related risks, implementing suitable intervention plans.
* Monitor, review, and update assessments and support plans to reflect changing circumstances and identified risks.
* Work proactively to reduce homelessness risks, rough sleeping, domestic abuse-related housing crises, and other safeguarding concerns.
Partnership Working
* Collaborate effectively with statutory, voluntary, and community organisations including social care, health services, domestic abuse services, landlords, charities, and support agencies.
* Promote service strategies and contribute to partnership initiatives aimed at improving independence and housing outcomes for vulnerable residents.
* Provide professional advice and expertise to stakeholders regarding housing solutions and homelessness matters.
Legal & Policy Compliance
* Apply and interpret homelessness legislation, housing policy, and statutory guidance accurately, including duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
* Ensure decisions, actions, and case management practices comply with organisational policies and legal frameworks.
Record Keeping & Administration
* Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant case records, systems, and documentation.
* Use council databases and ICT systems effectively to support case management, performance reporting, and data collection.
* Contribute to service improvement and continuous professional development.
Service Delivery
* Deliver services across multiple settings including council offices, community locations, partner organisations, and home visits where required.
* Provide responsive support to individuals in urgent housing need, including people at risk of rough sleeping, eviction, or domestic abuse.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with vulnerable service users and professionals.
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
* Strong negotiation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain effective case management practices within a fast-paced environment.
* Confident use of ICT systems, databases, and administrative processes.
* Resilient, empathetic, and customer-focused approach.
Knowledge & Experience
* Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing advice practice, and homelessness prevention approaches.
* Understanding of vulnerability, safeguarding, risk assessment, and multi-agency working.
* Experience supporting individuals with complex housing or social support needs.
* Knowledge of local housing markets and available housing pathways, including private rented sector options.
Additional Requirements
* Enhanced DBS clearance required.
* Ability to work flexibly across office, community, and home-visit settings.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, continuous learning, and service improvement.
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