Housing Solutions Officer (SO1)

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for Housing Solutions Officer (SO1) on a 3 month contract with a possibility of an extension.

This position will be a total of 35 hours per week, with hours from 09:00am – 17:30pm.

Job Purpose:

To ensure an effective Housing Solutions Service is provided to Islington’s customers in housing need, including assessment and advice on Housing and related support.

To deputise for the Housing Advice Manager as needed.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

• To deal with and difficult housing enquiries in order to ensure all customers have a positive experience and receive the right answer first time with consistent high quality.
• To provide clients with a written record of the advice and guidance provided, along with actions agreed, so serving to pilot the Personalise Housing Plans.
• To provide appropriate basic advice and assistance on all matters of housing entitlement, eligibility and priority need for social housing.
• To ensure customers receive correspondence written in plain English which takes account of any special requirements and conforms to Islington’s write first time and customer service standards.
• To ensure wherever possible by intervention, referral, advice, advocacy and joint working that homelessness is prevented by ensuring the broadest range of housing options is available to customers.
• To follow the departments procedures and protocols for the effective liaison and discharging statutory joint obligations.
• To enable mediation between landlords and tenants, parents relatives and family relationship breakdowns in order to prevent homelessness.
• To interview and carry out an initial assessment of all customers visiting the Housing Aid Centre.
• To give guidance regarding welfare benefits and income maximisation.
• To acquire and maintain up to date detailed knowledge of relevant housing legislation including current case law.
• To keep clear up to date accurate and written and computerised records. Maintaining confidentiality and security of information.
• To interview and visit applicants carry out inquiries within target timescales at alternative locations where necessary. Ensuring that supporting information and evidence is available to substantiate the decision in each case.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience of dealing with the public providing practical advice in a housing and welfare, to include administrative experience.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural, inner city environment.
• Displays an awareness, understanding and commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people and or vulnerable adults.
• Experience of the relevant housing legislation and case law, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
• Ability to respond sensitively to people experiencing a wide range of Housing problems.
• Proven ability to liaise with Councillors, senior management, members of the general public and other Organisation.
• Demonstrable ability to meet relevant performance and service standards.
• Ability to provide clear, accountable and responsive service to customer/client needs.
• Proven ability to input and extract data on a computer.
• Ability to communicate verbally, on the telephone, in writing and face to face with a wide range of audiences including Members, senior officers and the general public and their representatives.

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact Jordan.