We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Caseworker to support Dorset Council's Housing Service on a temporary basis. This role plays a vital part in delivering a comprehensive housing advice and homelessness prevention service, ensuring statutory duties are met under relevant housing legislation.
Responsibilities
* Deliver a high-quality housing advice and homelessness prevention service in line with current housing legislation.
* Manage a caseload of homeless or threatened‑with‑homelessness applicants, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records.
* Undertake homelessness investigations, make statutory decisions, and refer for temporary accommodation where appropriate.
* Develop, implement, and regularly update Personal Housing Plans with customers to prevent or relieve homelessness.
* Work creatively to prevent homelessness, including negotiating with landlords, sourcing alternative accommodation, attending court where necessary, and working with partner agencies.
* Provide advice on related issues such as welfare benefits, debt, income maximisation, and employment, and signpost to specialist agencies where required.
* Build strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners including Adult and Children's Services, health services, probation, police, and housing providers.
* Support vulnerable customers, including 16‑17‑year‑olds, care leavers, and clients with complex needs, working in line with agreed protocols.
Qualifications
* Previous experience working within a local authority housing service or registered housing provider.
* Strong knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2018.
* Proven experience of preventing homelessness using a range of practical tools and techniques.
* Experience managing a complex caseload with minimal supervision in a confidential environment.
* Up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing options.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and work collaboratively with partners and customers.
* Strong problem‑solving, organisational, and IT skills, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
* An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
* A CIH Level 4 qualification is desirable.
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