Housing Support Officer
Location:
Scheme Based
Salary:
25,000.00 - 28,000.00 per annum
Hours:
Full-Time
Reports to:
Director of Operations
Start Date:
ASAP (Subject to DBS clearance)
Role Overview
We are seeking a compassionate, motivated and experienced
Housing Support Officer
to join our team. The successful candidate will work across our Burnley and Wigan portfolio, providing person-centred support to help residents maintain their tenancies and achieve greater independence.
Key Objectives
- To provide face-to-face tenancy support and housing management services to residents who require enhanced support in order to sustain their accommodation.
- To work alongside partner and specialist agencies to ensure residents are signposted to appropriate specialist support agencies when required.
- To provide intensive housing management services to ensure the accommodation remains safe, compliant and in a good condition for the residents.
- To be a flexible, supportive and professional member of the team, promoting PPSL's organisational values when working with clients or associated professionals.
Responsibilities
Responsible for completing housing related needs assessments with referred individuals, in collaboration with their referral agencies, families and associated professionals in a timely and efficient manner.
Participate in referral panel meetings, and the decision-making process for housing related needs assessments.
Carry out accompanied viewings and Risk Assessments to ensure the accommodation meets the client's needs.
Maintain information relevant to the client group in order to deliver effective housing management and tenancy support e.g. directory of local agencies/services.
Undertake intensive housing management services assessing security, health and safety checks (internal and external) prior to the sign-up and then again throughout the term of the tenancy during routine visits etc.
Complete referrals for aids and adaptations to be installed in and/or around the home, supporting applicants where required with Occupational Therapist assessments seeking approval for adaptations from the Head Landlord where required.
Partnership working with external agencies such as NHS, Adult Social Care, Probation Services etc. in line with Multi-Agency protocols.
Complete weekly room checks to check standards of cleanliness, incidents of damage or decline in environment.
Be responsible for booking-in approved referrals at the property allocated to them. Discuss the Tenancy/License agreement (in easy read format if required) tenant handbook, support agreement and house rules ensuring the client understands their responsibilities whilst living in supported accommodation.
Ensure the client settles in, demonstrating how to use all appliances and functions within the property.
Support the resident with all benefit applications in the required format and within local authority timescales along with other associated tenancy related paperwork such as council tax assistance, TV licensing etc.
Ongoing communication with Housing Benefit/DWP on behalf of the resident to ensure the claim is successfully processed, supporting where required with providing additional information or evidence so the claim can be processed without undue delay.
Provide assistance with budgeting support and debt management, signposting to specialist agencies where required.
Work with residents, local authorities, associated professionals to assist paying rent and service charges. Ensuring that the process and requirements are understood, and repayment of any debts are made in a manner agreeable to the individual and the organisation.
Encourage engagement with the residents by maintaining regular professional contact and scheduling key work sessions to deliver housing related support.
Consult with the residents on housing matters and policies, seeking regular feedback in relation to service delivery and recording this data for ongoing analysis.
Hold regular house meetings and group support sessions to encourage community-based initiatives and positive living within a shared accommodation environment.
Signposting, and giving advice on benefits, debts and bills that are non-tenancy related. Along with providing information and signposting for specialist agencies including drug and alcohol services, charities, mental health crisis teams etc.
Offer a professional standard of guidance, support and advice to residents, tailored to their presenting needs by using ongoing assessment tools to create individualised support plans.
Deliver a minimum of 2-5 hours housing related services each week with access to more support available if required by the individual, e.g. obtaining furniture, arranging gas and electricity, paying bills relating to the accommodation, reporting repairs within the home, resolving disputes with neighbours, engaging with local community initiatives, registering with medical services, emotional support and signposting to counselling, education employment and benefit advice, providing information on local services.
Regularly update Risk Assessments on behalf of the resident.
Responsible for reporting Safeguarding referrals to the relevant local authority where there is cause for concern.
Respond to Anti-Social behaviour concerns or issues, serve notices and warnings in accordance with procedures and liaison with professional external agencies such as local enforcement teams, neighbourhood police etc.
Advocate on behalf of your resident and attend court hearings if required.
Ensure awareness at all times of internal policies and procedures, working within them to ensure all housing management and tenancy related support tasks are delivered in an appropriate and timely manner.
Where applicable work alongside on-site security or local enforcement teams to deal with reported instances of ASB.
Ensure all required Health and Safety checks are conducted on a weekly / fortnightly / monthly / annual basis and reported in the agreed format to the Registered Provider.
Monitor and ensure that fire drills and alarm checks are completed and recorded correctly, highlighting where correct evacuation procedure has been adhered to.
Ensure that communal and external areas are kept clean, clear and free of hazards.
Be responsible for co-ordinating access for maintenance contractors to visit, complete inspections and undertake works at the properties, managing all associated risks on behalf of the resident and the organisation.
Advise and assist residents with any disputes in relation to their household or local community in accordance with the Anti-Social behaviour procedure and, also via collaborative engagement with neighbours etc. to de-escalate and promote conflict resolution.
To be responsible for ensuring all repair issues are reported within the accommodation to the PPSL Maintenance Department in accordance with the PPSL Maintenance Policy.
Monitor the quality of contractors providing maintenance services at the accommodation including grounds maintenance, pest control, window cleaning.
Deliver housing support in relation to the safe use of equipment and appliances where applicable.
Work closely with the Maintenance team to maintain an excellent standard of accommodation for residents.
Ensure tenants claim housing benefit and other benefits as applicable to ensure they are in receipt of all entitlements and can recover all rent and service charges.
Where applicable, ensure residents pay all ineligible service charges and assist with budgeting for this.
Provide Head Office with copies of all benefit letters received at the property and support with obtaining additional evidence where required.
Maintain accurate records of visits and record any support delivered to the resident.
Report any follow-up action required and refer to other agencies where appropriate.
Produce and record personalised support plan documents and risk assessments in the organisation's agreed format, reviewing the individuals needs on a regular basis and documenting these reviews against their resident profile.
Maintain accurate contact details for all residents and any associated professionals.
Support residents to move-on to independent accommodation where appropriate. Attend regular team meetings and training sessions.
Person Specification
Essential:
Minimum of
1 years' experience
working within a supported housing or similar environment Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively Strong communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service Competence in using IT systems for record-keeping and communication Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults Willingness to undergo an
Enhanced DBS Check
Desirable:
Experience working with individuals with mental health needs, substance misuse issues, or offending backgrounds Knowledge of welfare benefits and tenancy sustainment strategies Health and Safety awareness (including fire safety procedures)*
Benefits
Mileage Allowance 28 days holiday (Inclusive of Bank Holidays) Ongoing training and professional development opportunities Supportive team environment Opportunities for career progression
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: 25,000.00-28,000.00 per year
Experience:
Supported Housing: 1 year (preferred)
Willingness to travel:
75% (preferred)
Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr