Location: Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Rate: £17.59 per hour PAYE
Contract: Temporary – 24 weeks
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Office-based
We are seeking experienced and highly motivated Housing Solutions Officers to join a busy Housing Solutions and Prevention Service.
This is an important frontline role focused on homelessness prevention, housing advice and statutory homelessness assessments. You will work directly with households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing tailored advice, developing housing solutions and supporting customers to achieve sustainable housing outcomes.
Previous professional experience working in homelessness under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 is essential.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate practical experience of applying statutory homelessness duties and making decisions in accordance with the legislation.
Experience of working within a Welsh local authority homelessness service is highly relevant.
Deliver person-centred housing advice and homelessness prevention services.
Assess customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Apply the statutory duties under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, including the Prevention Duty, Relief Duty and Final Duty.
Conduct detailed homelessness enquiries and make appropriate statutory decisions.
Prepare clear, accurate and legally sound decision letters, including explanations of review rights.
Provide realistic advice regarding eligibility, housing assistance and alternative housing options.
Develop and implement effective housing solutions and Personal Housing Plans.
Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring statutory timescales and service standards are met.
Work proactively to prevent homelessness and sustain existing accommodation where possible.
Negotiate with landlords, family members and other parties to secure sustainable housing solutions.
Promote suitable private rented sector opportunities.
Build effective relationships with private landlords to prevent tenancy loss and support tenancy sustainment.
Assess when temporary or emergency accommodation is required and arrange appropriate placements.
Determine when statutory duties may have ended and ensure decisions are properly recorded.
Respond to Housing Register enquiries and advise applicants on rehousing prospects.
Support customers with applications to the Common Housing Register.
Conduct home visits and undertake outreach work where required.
Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records, including recording all contacts, decisions and outcomes.
Use the Abritas system to maintain accurate case information.
Identify safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals to relevant agencies.
Identify potential fraud or misrepresentation and escalate cases appropriately.
Work jointly with Children’s Services, Social Services, Police and other agencies where required.
Liaise with support providers, Probation, Prison Services, voluntary organisations and other partners.
Participate in the Housing Solutions duty rota.
Contribute to reducing homelessness and minimising the use of bed and breakfast accommodation.
You will be an experienced Housing Solutions Officer, Homelessness Officer or Housing Options professional with demonstrable experience working within a statutory homelessness environment.
You must have:
Practical experience working with homelessness cases in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
Experience making statutory homelessness decisions.
Strong knowledge of the Prevention, Relief and Final Duties.
Experience conducting homelessness assessments and enquiries.
Experience producing clear and accurate statutory decision letters.
Strong case management and organisational skills.
Knowledge of relevant housing legislation, case law and private sector tenancy regulations.
Experience working with vulnerable individuals and households with complex needs.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
The ability to explain complex legislation and decisions clearly to customers.
Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.
The ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively under pressure.
A professional, empathetic and solution-focused approach.
Experience working with customers affected by:
Experience working collaboratively with Children’s Services, Social Services, Probation, Prison Services, Supporting People providers, landlords and voluntary-sector organisations would also be advantageous.
This is a frontline, office-based role within a busy Housing Solutions and Prevention service.
The successful candidates will need to be comfortable working with vulnerable households, managing competing priorities and making informed decisions within a statutory and time-sensitive environment.
The role may also involve home visits, community outreach and attendance at meetings outside normal working hours where required.
Previous experience working in homelessness in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 is essential.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate experience of applying the legislation in practice and making decisions in accordance with statutory homelessness duties.
Applications from candidates without substantive homelessness experience under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 are unlikely to meet the requirements of this position.
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