R2R103862 - 106714 - Housing Solutions Officer

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are looking for a knowledgeable Housing Solutions Officer to join the team on a full time, FTC basis (12 months). The successful candidate needs to be experienced in managing a varied caseload, assessing the needs and issuing personal housing plans. You will also need to have experience in providing advice and assistance on available housing options for homeless and potentially homeless persons under the Homelessness Act 1996, Part VII, Homelessness Act 2002, and the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.

You will provide housing advice and assistance to applicants of the most appropriate housing solution where prevention is not possible, arranging temporary accommodation and processing homeless applications through to formal decision notification in accordance with part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, with regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance. You will carry out home visits as required to assess housing conditions, process housing applications or to negotiate on behalf of the applicant to prevent homelessness. This may require lone working . Responsibility for processing housing register applications, including initial verification, ensuring eligibility and priority in line with the Allocations Policy. You will liaise with appropriate Officers of South Essex Homes and Registered Providers in relation to offers of accommodation and nominations in accordance with any service standards.

To be successful you will need working knowledge of legislation, guidance and case law relating to homelessness and welfare reforms that people may be entitled to and the routes to accessing these. It is desirable that you have working knowledge of Part 6 & 7, Housing Act 96 and Homelessness Reduction Act. You should be able to work with a high degree of accuracy, flexibility and be able to organise and manage your workload effectively. It is also essential that you can communicate effectively as you will be liaising with multiple stakeholders across different levels.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.