Homelessness Advice Officer

Purpose of Job

The post holder must share in the work of the Homelessness Unit, in the community, whose function includes prevention and relief of homelessness and the provision and management of accommodation for homeless households and the discharge of the duties of the City Council under the Housing Act 1996 / Homelessness Act 2002 Part 7 (Housing the Homeless) and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all work undertaken in accordance with the City Council s Equal Opportunity policy.

Key Accountabilities & Duties

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, scope and grading of the post.

1. To interview and investigate all claims of homelessness under Part 7 Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982 from households applying for assistance to the City Council. To obtain detailed information on their housing, financial, social, health and other circumstances, both past and present. Ensuring authenticity, by making appropriate enquiries, visits to addresses and liaison with other agencies.

2. To prevent and relieve homelessness, in accordance with the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 for households becoming homeless. To mediate between customers and their housing providers when at risk of homelessness and to take appropriate arrangement to prevent loss or damage to clients personal possessions.

3. To provide statutory advice and assistance to clients, and owner occupiers on matters relating to homelessness, housing advice, landlord/tenancy relations and mortgagee default. To issue customers with detailed, accurate written housing plans regarding their housing situation. To advise on available options including advice and assistance on legislation, financial inclusion and welfare reform, reviewing and evaluating as necessary.

4. To record and maintain confidential case notes and client records on IT systems in accordance with professional and Council guidelines. To record accurate statistical information associated with homelessness to enable completion of statutory returns on homelessness required by government departments. To comply with all legal requirements set out under data protection legislation at all times.

5. The post holder will be required to assist with Homeseeker Lettings enquiries when needed and to liaise with other sections of the division and outside agencies when required. To assist, with all Homelessness Unit enquiries and associated functions and developing best practice.

6. To write and or contribute to reports, referrals, letters, risk assessments on behalf of clients from meetings, conferences and court and to other departments where necessary to support their clients.

7. To ensure that when referring vulnerable clients to move on accommodation, housing providers are fully briefed of those issues. Post holder to be fully aware of all safeguarding concerns and reporting any such concerns using the appropriate referral process.

8. To work in partnership with multi-agency colleagues from statutory and voluntary agencies to meet the needs of clients.

8. The post holder must be able to travel around the city to access all types of accommodation and ensure when carrying out visits that lone working procedures are fully adhered to. To participate in the Emergency Call-out Rota for Homeless people.

10. To have a good standard of IT literacy that enables use of self-service, digital user platforms, applications and MS Office and Council data systems (Northgate, Home-connections)

Core Responsibilities and Deliverables

Financial Management

1. To deliver Homelessness services within budget.

2. To comply with the Council s financial policies and requirements.

3. To identify and propose opportunities for innovation, commercialisation, cost savings, cost recovery or income generation.

Customer Relationships

1. To deliver Homelessness services in accordance with agreed service standards.

2. To monitor and act upon customer feedback to improve customer experiences and to meet or exceed customer satisfaction.

3. The dissemination of information, and promoting effective liaison with other related agencies.

Operational Effectiveness and Compliance

1. To operate in accordance with HR policies and practice.

2. To undertake continuous improvement activity to improve the effectiveness of services.

3. To comply with all Council policies in relation to Health and Safety and Information Governance.

4. To escalate risks and issues which may impact any aspect of performance or the Council s reputation.

5. Deliver an effective Homelessness Service and taking responsibility for performance

6. The effective management of personal workload.

7. Ensure that records are maintained and reports are completed to a high standard and within the specified timeframe

8. Commit to the protection and safeguarding of adults with care and support needs, and value and respect their views and needs.

Organisational Capability

1. To participate in team and Council wide activities to improve involvement and communication.

2. To participate in and to use the appraisal and performance contract process to develop personal contribution and develop capability.

3. To take responsibility for personal development including any continuous Professional Development.

4. To work with others in the team to develop change readiness.

5. Participate in and work in partnership with a range of multi-agency services

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Qualification

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Valid UK Driving Licence

• Knowledge of the relevant legislation around Homelessness and Housing
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure, prioritise workload and keep to statutory targets.
• Demonstrate the skill of mediation and negotiation to avert homelessness -
• A good skill base in administrative duties.
• To have experience in lone working across the city and to all types of accommodation and demonstrate the ability to keep safe.
• Ability to use manual filing system
• Telephone Skills
• Communication Skills (written)
• Communication Skills (verbal)
• A good appreciation of Customer Care
• Team Working experience and skills
• IT literacy

• To be able to travel around the city for appointments some of which may be at short notice.

Core Behaviours

• Takes personal accountability and holds others to account
• Takes responsibility for own development.
• Listens to and respects the opinions of others.
• Asks for, reflects upon and acts on feedback.
• Works collaboratively with others to deliver the best outcomes.
• Actively seeks opportunities for improvement in organisational processes and activity.
• Builds understanding and commitment to transformational change.
• Sets standards for customer service.
• Builds relationships of trust and alliances with customers groups.