Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housing Caseworker to join a dynamic housing team. In this role, you will work directly with individuals and families facing homelessness, providing high-quality advice, advocacy, and support to help resolve housing challenges. You will play a key part in preventing homelessness and ensuring that those in need are assisted into sustainable accommodation.

This role is vital in delivering on the council's Homelessness Strategy and meeting government targets while contributing to long-term housing solutions for vulnerable residents.

You will be required to be in the office 5 days a week for the first 2 weeks and then you will be able to move to hybrid working (2 days in the office).

Key Responsibilities

Homelessness Prevention:
Provide tailored advice and advocacy to individuals and families at risk of homelessness, including on housing rights, income maximization, financial management, and tenant-landlord issues.
Develop and review personalized housing plans with clients to prevent homelessness and address housing needs.
Mediate and negotiate with landlords, families, and agencies to prevent evictions or terminations of tenancy.
Offer comprehensive advice on housing options, including private rentals, social housing, and supported housing schemes.

Case Management:
Assess client eligibility for homelessness support under the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Manage a caseload of households, providing ongoing assistance and regular engagement to secure suitable housing solutions.
Process homelessness applications, including assessing eligibility, priority need, and issuing decision letters within statutory timescales.
Use discretionary funds to assist clients with deposits, removals, and other costs related to securing accommodation.
Housing Allocations and Placements:
Identify and arrange suitable housing options, including temporary accommodation, private rented homes, and social housing allocations.
Work collaboratively with other teams, agencies, and landlords to ensure housing placements meet client needs.
Support clients transitioning from temporary accommodation to longer-term housing, ensuring appropriate referrals for tenancy sustainment support.

Stakeholder Collaboration:
Liaise with landlords, solicitors, support services, and other agencies to resolve housing issues.
Attend multi-agency meetings, court hearings, and case reviews as required.
Provide clear advice on relevant policies, such as the Homelessness Strategy, Allocations Policy, and Tenancy Strategy.
Data and Reporting:
Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records on all client interactions and outcomes.
Ensure compliance with statutory deadlines and council policies, contributing to performance targets and reporting requirements.

About You
A strong understanding of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), Homelessness Act 2002, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Knowledge of landlord and tenant law, welfare benefits, and safeguarding principles.
Relevant qualifications, such as a Certificate in Housing or similar, are desirable.
Proven experience in a public-facing role working with vulnerable clients, ideally in housing or homelessness services.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write structured letters and reports.
Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage a busy caseload effectively.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating empathy while remaining objective.

Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. You will be part of a supportive and motivated team, working towards sustainable housing solutions and positive outcomes for the community.

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.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed).
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.