Job Description
To deliver front-line homelessness prevention by working directly with households at risk of homelessness, with a particular focus on those being asked to leave accommodation provided by friends or family. The role combines verification, mediation, assessment and homelessness prevention activities aimed at reducing presentations and the use of temporary accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake home visits to verify living arrangements and investigate homelessness applications.
- Mediate between applicants and hosts/excluders to prevent homelessness and sustain existing accommodation wherever possible.
- Complete income, affordability and financial assessments to identify sustainable housing options and financial interventions.
- Conduct accommodation suitability assessments and gather evidence to support decision-making.
- Assess support needs, household circumstances and barriers to housing.
- Negotiate agreed plans with applicants and family members to extend accommodation and avoid temporary accommodation placements.
- Identify and facilitate homelessness prevention solutions including PRS move-on opportunities and other housing options.
- Complete housing needs assessments, Personal Housing Plans and associated casework.
- Maintain accurate records, produce detailed reports and provide evidence to support homelessness decisions.
- Work independently in the community, managing complex and often sensitive cases involving homelessness, safeguarding and family breakdown.
Essential Criteria
1. Significant experience of undertaking homelessness prevention casework, including working with households at risk of homelessness from friends and family accommodation, tenancy breakdown, exclusions and other housing crises.
2. Significant experience of carrying out home visits, investigations and verification activities, including establishing living arrangements, gathering evidence and assessing housing circumstances.
3. Experience of mediation and negotiation, working with applicants, family members, hosts, landlords and other stakeholders to prevent homelessness and sustain accommodation.
4. Ability and experience of conducting affordability, income and housing needs assessments, identifying practical solutions to prevent homelessness and support sustainable housing outcomes.
5. Ability and experience of undertaking accommodation suitability assessments, gathering and analysing evidence, and making recommendations to support housing decisions.
6. Ability and experience of ensuring all aspects of casework are carried out in accordance with homelessness legislation, statutory guidance, council policies and relevant procedures.
7. Ability and experience of consistently achieving performance objectives, managing a caseload independently and delivering outcomes in a community-based environment.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and build positive working relationships with applicants, family members, landlords, and internal services, including in challenging or emotionally charged situations.
9. Significant knowledge of homelessness, housing and welfare legislation, including homelessness prevention duties, accommodation suitability, affordability assessments and housing options available to applicants.
10. Significant knowledge of safeguarding principles and best practice, with the ability to identify risks, assess vulnerability and take appropriate action where required.
11. Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgement, making appropriate recommendations in complex cases where successful intervention can prevent homelessness and avoid the use of temporary accommodation.
12. Ability to identify and implement creative homelessness prevention solutions, including mediation, financial assistance, host sustainment arrangements, PRS options and other interventions designed to prevent homelessness.
Pay: £24,420.00-£49,191.00 per year
Work Location: In person
