About the Role
and our Ideal Candidate
Based in Housing Advice Services, this is a vital front-line role to make a tangible difference to prevent and relieve homelessness. As a Targeted Housing Adviser, a proactive, holistic, and personalised approach is required to housing advice and support will deliver housing needs assessments and personal housing plans to support residents to resolve homelessness.
This role will take a casework approach to seek out solutions for customers, developing and reviewing person-centred support plans with both short and long-term aims. This requires being responsible for making relevant robust enquiries and assessing eligibility for accommodation in accordance with the, specifically Part VI and VII of the Housing Act (as amended ), Homeless Reduction Act and Renters Right Act.
A key part of your role will be issuing robust decision letters, preparing documents for court and attending court to meet the requirements of prevailing legislation and case law.
This role requires a creative problem-solver who can identify risks and take appropriate action to mitigate against them. There is a need to forge effective working relationships with internal and external organisations to provide advice and support to vulnerable adults and young people. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of our policies and procedures to ensure we deliver a quality service.
About You
You will have an in-depth working knowledge of housing options and housing legislation, specifically Part VI and VII of the Housing 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. You must have experience providing support, advice, and guidance in a complex environment and are looking for experience in a similar role and have a high level of competence.
We are looking for someone with a customer-focused attitude who can show empathy while resolving complex issues. You will be able to interpret and explain complex legislation to a variety of audiences and make clear, consistent decisions. You must be able to manage expectations through negotiation and influence to effect positive changes in customer behaviour.
You will be highly organised, able to manage a caseload and monitor the progression of tasks to meet deadlines. 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.
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 Targeted Housing Advisor, you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering an effective and efficient Homelessness Prevention and 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