Specialist
Location: Follaton House, TQ9 5NE
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 3+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 123.65 per day
Job Ref: (phone number removed)
Responsibilities
Act as a senior case worker for customers approaching as homeless or in housing need, handling complex cases and ensuring accurate decision-making.
Support the team leader in developing the team's knowledge base and experience, demonstrating excellent knowledge of housing law and best practices.
Lead on specialist areas alongside other senior officers and represent the council in multi-agency and/or Devon-wide focused work streams.
Provide a comprehensive housing advice service by exploring housing options in detail, advocating on customers’ behalf, offering mediation, attending court hearings, or referring to other specialist agencies as appropriate.
Conduct thorough investigations for applicants presenting as homeless or threatened with homelessness, making formal homelessness decisions on behalf of the Council.
Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of tenancy rights, welfare, and benefits options, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing homelessness and housing needs.
Act as a senior point of contact for the team and provide case supervision when needed to support the team leader.
Monitor and oversee the effective use of any funds available for preventing homelessness, ensuring affordable repayment plans are made and funds are used within current policies.
Arrange and attend multi-agency meetings, representing the Council in discussing clients and their circumstances, particularly in relation to safeguarding and child protection.
Lead on one or more specialism areas to facilitate effective knowledge sharing and decision-making accuracy within the team.
Promote the benefits of digital and self-service channels to all customers.
Keep clear file notes of all customer contact and provide concise written reports and chronologies for management when requested.
Ensure all data is held in compliance with data protection and GDPR requirements.
Undertake any other relevant duties within the scope and grade of the post as required by the Head of Housing.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Educated to A Level standard or equivalent or qualified by strong relevant experience.
Relevant qualification or qualified by track record of relevant experience.
Knowledge/Experience
A good knowledge of support work practices.
2 years’ experience of working for a Local Authority since the implementation of the Homeless Reduction Act.
An excellent understanding of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
Knowledge of local and national grants and benevolent funds.
A good understanding of the Equalities legislation, policy, and procedures.
Knowledge of benefits and universal credit systems.
Experience of providing support to individuals with chaotic support needs.
Experience of working with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
An excellent understanding of professional boundaries.
Experience of keeping detailed records.
Experience of developing and implementing tailored support plans.
Skills and Abilities
Proactive with a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
High level of organisational and administrative skills.
Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
Good communication skills both written and verbal.
Problem-solving skills.
Committed to high standards of performance and quality.
Team working skills.
Flexible and resourceful.
Proficient in relevant IT applications and able to exploit the use of new technology.
Ability to present complex issues to vulnerable people.
Able to work with teams across an organisation to improve service.
General/Other
Flexible to undertake out-of-hours work as required.
Willingness to work within the Councils’ Impact Behavioural Framework.
Willingness to develop skills and knowledge in other areas to provide flexibility within the service.
An engaging, enthusiastic, and positive manner with a strong “can do” approach.
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