Homelessness Prevention Officer

Carrington West; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Homelessness Prevention Officer to provide specialist advice, intervention, and support to individuals and families at risk of homelessness. You will work directly with those facing eviction, family breakdown, financial hardship, and tenancy issues, offering solutions to prevent homelessness and enable sustainable housing.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact, working within a fast-paced, customer-focused environment while engaging with landlords, support services, and local agencies to secure positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide specialist housing advice to prevent homelessness, covering security of tenure, housing benefits, private rental options, and alternative accommodation solutions.
2. Conduct home visits to assess housing situations, negotiate with landlords, and mediate disputes with family or friends to prevent evictions.
3. Manage a caseload of individuals and families at risk of homelessness, ensuring timely and effective intervention.
4. Liaise with landlords and letting agents to resolve tenancy issues, negotiate rent arrears repayment plans, and support applications for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Homelessness Prevention Loans.
5. Work within Section 195 of the Housing Act 1996, ensuring that all duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act are fulfilled.
6. Complete affordability assessments, ensuring tenants maximise benefit entitlements and can sustain their housing.
7. Refer clients to specialist services, including mental health teams, domestic abuse support, substance misuse services, and social care.
8. Attend external meetings, including MARAC and child protection meetings, acting as a housing representative.
9. Ensure accurate record-keeping and case management, meeting all performance targets and legal requirements.

About You

1. Strong background in homelessness prevention, housing advice, or tenancy sustainment.
2. Knowledge of housing law, Homelessness Reduction Act, welfare benefits, and private sector housing options.
3. Experience in mediation, advocacy, and negotiation with landlords, tenants, and external agencies.
4. Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and work within statutory guidelines and local authority procedures.
5. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a customer-focused approach.
6. Ability to assess risk, manage crisis situations, and develop tailored housing solutions.
7. Strong partnership working skills, engaging with social services, legal teams, and support networks.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
9. Understanding of safeguarding practices for vulnerable individuals.
10. Knowledge of welfare benefits and financial support schemes.
11. Experience using housing management systems and case recording tools.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.