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MRJ Associates are working on behalf of our client Lewisham Council, who are recruiting for Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer within the Local Authority paying up to £28.15 ph.

YOUR NEW CONTRACT

* Minimum 3 Months contract - Starting ASAP

* 35 hours per week across a 5-day rota.

* Up to Payrate £28.15 per hour (Umbrella)

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTION

To provide a comprehensive high quality homeless prevention, support and advice service to all households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. To provide an assessment service to customers presenting to the Council to ascertain what duties are owed to them by the authority and what alternative housing options are available to them. To demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Homelessness legislation and case law coupled with hands-on experience of preventing homelessness and making statutory decisions. To develop specialist knowledge and skills in relation to customers required to enable the delivery of a flexible and responsive housing needs service that can effectively meet changing demands and customer pressures. To keep up to date, clear, accessible and accurate casework and data records and report on performance as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* 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 actively and positively promote and deliver the Council’s homeless prevention agenda identifying appropriate housing options and utilizing the prevention tools available, such as DHP for customers that will resolve their accommodation problems and reduce the need for the provision of temporary accommodation within agreed timeframes

* 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

* To maintain detailed, accurate case notes and reports, update computerised records, conduct correspondence and respond to enquiries as required to efficiently progress cases to resolution

* To provide advice and practical assistance when required to customers in respect of security of tenure across all types of tenure, including matrimonial rights and attending court as needed to prevent homelessness

* 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

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

* Excellent interviewing skills to extract relevant information from customers and complete accurate assessments

* Excellent communication skills at all levels

* Excellent negotiating skills with varied parties, including partner agencies and internal colleagues

* Excellent written skills to be able to produce detailed and accurate reports and letters to the public and other professionals

* Ability to avoid and manage conflict and stress

* Experience of composing and issuing detailed and legally robust S184 decision letters in line with the duties owed to customers under the homelessness legislation

* Experience of producing detailed and accurate reports and letters to the public and other professionals

* Experience of working in a demanding front line service in a housing environment

* Experience of “front line” interviewing and of dealing effectively with confrontational situations

* Experience of working with vulnerable client groups and providing appropriate support as required

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW

If you are interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now