Housing Solutions Officer

Description:

4Recruitment Services are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Housing Solutions Officer – Advice & Assessment to join a frontline housing service in Huddersfield.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with housing knowledge and strong customer service skills who wants to support individuals and families facing housing difficulties.

As a Housing Solutions Officer, you will play a key role in preventing homelessness wherever possible, providing advice and guidance to customers and assessing their housing needs. You will work closely with colleagues and partner agencies to identify appropriate solutions and ensure customers receive the support they need.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Prevent homelessness wherever possible through early intervention and determine whether the Council has a statutory duty where homelessness cannot be prevented.
Carry out homelessness assessments and make appropriate decisions in line with relevant housing and homelessness legislation.
Deliver frontline services and participate in a team duty rota, providing advice and assistance to customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Prepare written communications for customers and other relevant parties.
Support individuals with complex needs and vulnerabilities, demonstrating tenacity and perseverance when managing challenging behaviours.
Assess housing needs in accordance with Kirklees Council’s Allocations Policy.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes and records.
Refer customers to colleagues for temporary accommodation where required.
Provide advice and guidance to internal teams and external partner agencies.
Undertake home visits where necessary.
Comply with all relevant council policies and procedures, including risk assessments, safeguarding requirements and professional boundaries.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

Knowledge of relevant housing and homelessness legislation.
An understanding of housing-related benefits.
Experience delivering a frontline service in a busy, demanding environment.
Strong negotiation, mediation and problem-solving skills.
The ability to communicate sensitively and compassionately with a diverse range of customers.
Confidence using IT systems to maintain accurate records and manage case information.
The ability to travel to different locations is desirable. A full, valid driving licence and access to a car for work are also desirable.
Basic DBS check
Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.

To discuss this vacancy in further detail or any other vacancies, please contact our Team on (phone number removed) or email