Homelessness Prevention Officer - Maternity Cover
We are currently seeking a proactive and person‑centred individual to join our team as a Homelessness Prevention Officer, supporting households at risk of homelessness.
The First Point of Contact Team sits at the frontline of Neath Port Talbot’s homelessness response within the Homelessness Assessment, Prevention and Support Service (HAPSS). Our role is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to support people to secure safe, suitable and sustainable accommodation.
A key part of our work is identifying households at risk of homelessness at the earliest opportunity, often before a household is threatened with homelessness within 56 days and before a statutory duty is owed. Prevention Officers play a vital role in this early intervention work, working closely with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to resolve housing issues before crisis point is reached. This includes addressing rent arrears, changes in financial circumstances and other factors that may place a tenancy at risk, with a strong focus on prevention and tenancy sustainment.
Your daily routine
* Work directly with households at risk of homelessness to understand their circumstances and take early action to prevent housing crisis.
* Assess financial situations, including income, benefits and rent arrears, and support households with budgeting and benefit maximisation.
* Liaise regularly with Registered Social Landlords, private landlords and partner agencies to help sustain tenancies.
* Develop and progress clear, practical prevention plans with households, focusing on early resolution and tenancy sustainment.
* Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with service requirements.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across the First Point of Contact Team to identify solutions and share good practice.
About you
* Experience of delivering a front‑line homelessness or housing‑related service.
* A working knowledge of homelessness legislation, good practice and the welfare benefits system.
* Experience of providing financial or budgeting advice to help sustain tenancies.
* Experience of working in a multi‑agency environment, with an understanding of partner agency roles.
* Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage your own workload effectively.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills, with good numeracy and IT skills.
* Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and work independently as well as part of a team.
* A professional, non‑judgemental approach, with a clear understanding of confidentiality and safe working practices.
You will also hold a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade A–C (or equivalent).
There are no formal qualifications required for this role, as full training will be provided.
Benefits
* Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve work‑life balance.
* Competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution.
* Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years of service (plus 8 bank holidays).
* Discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure.
* Cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment.
* Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme.
* Exclusive discounts at local and national retailers through the Smart Spend app via staff wellbeing group.
Application Requirements
* DBS requirements: This post requires an enhanced DBS disclosure (Adults and Child barred list).
* Welsh Language requirements: Welsh language skills are not required.
* Guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.
* Guaranteed interview for employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy or have been made redundant in 2024.
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