• A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Housing Needs Officer to join a high-performing Housing Demand Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

• The postholder will play a critical role in delivering a comprehensive and customer-focused housing advice and homelessness prevention service.

• You’ll be responsible for managing complex homelessness cases in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act and related legislation, while providing high-quality legal and housing advice.

• This is a hybrid role requiring 2–3 days in the office, active participation in the Duty rota, and the ability to undertake full homelessness assessments and decisions.

• Deliver timely and accurate homelessness decisions and personalised housing plans (PHPs).

• Manage a varied caseload including complex homelessness assessments and prevention casework.

• Provide high-quality housing advice across a wide range of housing, legal, welfare, and immigration matters.

• Ensure compliance with Part VII of the Housing Act, Protection from Eviction Act, and other relevant legislation.

• Liaise effectively with internal departments (e.g. Rough Sleeper Team, Temporary Accommodation, Social Lettings) and external agencies (e.g. Mental Health Services, Probation, Police).

• Represent the team in multi-agency settings and case discussions.

• Maintain accurate records in line with legal and policy requirements.

• Participate in the Duty rota and contribute to continuous service improvement.

• Take the lead on specific topics or partnership links, briefing colleagues on updates.

• Conduct home visits where appropriate, to verify claims and assess housing need.

• Ensure every customer is supported with a clear, outcome-focused personal housing plan.

• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and case law (e.g. Housing Act, Homelessness Reduction Act).

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, particularly with vulnerable or challenging clients.

• Competency in managing confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

• Skilled in handling high-pressure situations while maintaining professionalism.

• Confident using IT systems and housing databases, plus Microsoft Office Suite.

• In-depth knowledge of Part VII Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related case law.

• Understanding of private rented sector issues, including tenancy types and landlord responsibilities.

• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults.

• Knowledge of relevant benefits legislation (e.g. Universal Credit, Housing Benefit).

• Familiarity with immigration legislation as it pertains to housing eligibility.

• Understanding of health and social care frameworks.

• Previous experience liaising with voluntary sector agencies and support providers.

• Knowledge of court procedures relating to housing repossessions or unlawful eviction cases.

• Significant experience in housing advice or homelessness casework.

• Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice and manage complex cases independently.

• Experience working with diverse, vulnerable populations in a front-line setting.

• Proven ability to maintain accurate records and work to performance targets.

• Hybrid role – 2-3 days/week – from the office.

• The closing date: 10/10/2025 @12:00 PM.

• Working Hours: 37 hours per week (9:00 – 17:00).

• Driving Requirement: Access to own vehicle and ability to conduct home visits as required.