Homelessness Prevention Officer

Job Description

4Recruitment Services are seeking an experienced Homelessness Prevention Officer to join a busy Housing Advice & Prevention team in Aylesbury. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced homelessness professional with a strong understanding of statutory homelessness legislation and a passion for preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable households.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• You will manage a varied caseload, delivering high-quality housing advice and carrying out statutory homelessness duties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• The role includes a duty rota (typically 1–2 days per week), where you will undertake housing assessments for customers presenting as homeless or threatened with homelessness.
• On non-duty days deliver homelessness prevention interventions by negotiating with landlords, family members, and friends to prevent homelessness, securing financial assistance to clear rent arrears where appropriate, supporting clients to access Private Rented Sector (PRS) and supported accommodation, and applying for funding to help individuals secure and sustain suitable housing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assess homelessness applications and determine eligibility and duties under homelessness legislation.
• Complete housing assessments and make decisions on prevention, relief and interim accommodation duties, including arranging temporary accommodation where appropriate.
• Issue Section 184 decision letters.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Negotiate with landlords, family members and other agencies to prevent homelessness.
• Assist clients to secure suitable accommodation in the private rented sector or supported housing.
• Apply for financial assistance, including Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP), Homelessness Prevention Funding (HPF) and charitable grants.
• Prepare applications to the court to stay or vary warrants and possession orders where appropriate.
• Carry out affordability, suitability, vulnerability and DASH risk assessments.
• Manage cases involving illegal eviction.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, partner organisations and external stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for customers.

ESSENTIAL  REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Previous experience working in statutory homelessness under Part VII of the Housing Act.
• Sound knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Code of Guidance and Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Experience completing homelessness assessments and issuing Section 184 decision letters.
• Strong case management, communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable households and delivering customer-focused housing advice.
• The ability to manage a busy and varied caseload while meeting statutory deadlines.
• Experience using Locata and  NEC Revenues & Benefits systems (desirable)

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 0800 988 6307 or email  gpadmin@4recruitmentservices.com.