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BBS Recruitment is an independent recruitment agency for the transport and logistics sector, supplying to a variety of clients across London, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. We also recruit for Social Care and Public Sector roles.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced skilled and motivated Homelessness Prevention and Assessment Officer to join a high-impact project within the Housing Division for our client based in Lewisham and surrounding areas.

This role will allow the successful individual to make a real impact and offers a unique opportunity to directly influence housing solutions and improve outcomes for vulnerable households.

Duties & Responsibilities:

* To provide a comprehensive high quality homeless prevention, support and advice service to all households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

* To prevent and resolve homelessness within the borough through the provision of confidential and impartial advice and information to customers approaching the Housing Needs Service about their housing rights and obligations under legislation and Council policy either in Council offices or other locations as required.

* To provide advice to customers in respect of the Council’s obligations under PtVI and PtVII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Localism Act 2011.

* To fully investigate the circumstances of customers presenting to the Council as homeless and to determine in accordance with current legislation, case law and the Code of Guidance 2006 what duty the authority owes to them and to issue legally robust S184 decision letters accordingly.

* Proactively address s.21 notices and make informed homelessness decisions including decisions to discharge housing duties where appropriate.

* Facilitating appropriate move-on, by making homelessness decision on the existing cases by discharging duty offers made under s.193 and PRS offers.

* To investigate landlord and tenant disputes including allegations of harassment and illegal eviction within the meaning of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997, intervening and negotiating with all parties as required to prevent homelessness.

* To undertake a comprehensive assessment of vulnerable customers in respect of their support and housing related needs including the risk to themselves and others.

* To develop and maintain a sound knowledge of the support needs of vulnerable single customers.

* To make appropriate referrals to supported accommodation services for vulnerable clients and ensure that a move on pathway is developed for each household as required.

* To liaise with other statutory services as appropriate who may owe a duty to vulnerable customers under legislation other than the homelessness acts.

Working Hours: 35hrs, Monday - Friday hybrid model, with a minimum of two office days and the flexibility to work from home.

Requirements:

* A high level of ICT skills to use packages such as word, excel, outlook and bespoke databases

* Candidate must have a good track history of excellent negotiation skills

* Previous experience working in homelessness

* Effective casework management

* Extensive knowledge of the homeless act and relevant legislation

If you have the relevant experience, please apply with your CV