Job Description:

Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer
Location: North West London
Rate: £28.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: 6 Months
Working Pattern: Full Time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Homelessness Prevention & Solutions Officer to join a busy Housing Needs team in North West London.
This is an excellent opportunity for a housing professional with experience in homelessness prevention, housing options, and statutory homelessness assessments to make a real difference to residents facing housing difficulties.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the Council's statutory duties to prevent and relieve homelessness under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Manage a caseload of households threatened with homelessness or currently homeless.
• Conduct homelessness assessments and determine appropriate housing duties.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Negotiate with landlords, agents, family members, and other parties to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation.
• Explore a range of housing options including private rented sector accommodation, supported housing, and alternative housing solutions.
• Support households to secure and sustain suitable accommodation.
• Provide advice and assistance on housing rights, homelessness legislation, welfare benefits, and tenancy sustainment.
• Prepare detailed case records, decision letters, and statutory documentation.
• Manage complex homelessness cases, including those subject to legal challenge, judicial review, and Ombudsman enquiries.

Requirements

• Previous experience working within Homelessness Prevention, Housing Options, or Housing Needs.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and associated legislation.
• Experience conducting statutory homelessness assessments and issuing housing decisions.
• Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within a Local Authority housing environment is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, tenancy sustainment, and housing pathways.

If you have experience in homelessness prevention and housing options and are looking for your next contract opportunity, we would like to hear from you.