Pathway and Assessment Referral Officer

Shifts: Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm

Rate: £19.78 per hour

Job Purpose:

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced housing referrals office, to be responsible for the effective delivery and focus on preventing homelessness for single people and childless couples in housing need.

Responsibilities:

• Managing a caseload of people who are experiencing housing crisis

• Help people to understand the rented housing market, keeping up-to-date with Local Housing Allowance, benefit changes, and opportunities

• Providing some support for individuals through the resettlement process when moving to a new home

• Help tenants with preparing defence forms for section 21 and other relevant court proceedings.

• To maintain up to date knowledge of the different housing options available to service users seeking accommodation and systems of access to housing of all types including the private rented sector

• Deliver the Housing Needs out of Hours Service on a rota basis as required.

• To conduct home visits to appropriate locations both inside and outside of the borough, as and when is necessary, to assist in the investigation of households circumstances. This could be achieved through some use of public transport, however it is desirable that the postholder has access to some form of their own transport.

• To organise and administer a case load, identifying priorities and deadlines and ensuring systematic progress is made on each case.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.

Experience/Qualifications Required:

• Degree qualified or equivalent.

• Education to a high standard of literacy and numeracy.

• Comprehensive knowledge of all core legislation such as the Housing Act 1985, Housing Act 1996 as amended by Homelessness Act 2002, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, housing needs issues, related legislation and case law.

• A good working knowledge of housing benefit rules and of the supply and demand issues related to public sector and private housing in an inner London council.

• Comprehensive knowledge of prevention tools and options

• Experience of giving advice and information to vulnerable customers and working in a busy front line customer focused environment.

• Strong and effective experience in provision of exceptional customer services.

• Worked with households experiencing a housing crisis and the provision of advice and assistance covering a range of aspects of that crisis.

• Application of the Suitability Assessment in recommending potential pathways for applicants

• Experience of negotiation/advocacy/mediation

If you feel that you have the experience and want to work for a fantastic client then please apply today!