Targeted Housing Advisor

• Minimum of 3 years of recent experience working directly as a local authority housing options officer (not Triage Officers).
• Expert working knowledge of part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, plus some knowledge of Part 6 of the Act.
• The ability to rigorously assess the five homelessness tests: eligibility, homelessness, priority need (including assessing vulnerability), local connection and Intentionality
• Ability to conduct robust investigatory enquiries.
• Keeps accurate records of all client and professional communications
• Can formulate legally compliant Personalised Housing Plans.
• Experience writing comprehensive s184 decision letters
• Ability to prioritise and manage high caseloads

In addition to the above, candidates must be able to work from the office a minimum of 3 days on alternative weeks (subject to change).

• Demonstrate a customer-focused attitude, showing empathy and understanding with a desire to resolve issues and find solutions to maximise the options and opportunities available to customers.

• Able to interpret and explain complex legislation and guidance, to a variety of audiences, and to make clear, consistent decisions.

• Be creative and constantly innovate to meet clients and service user needs in new and better ways.

• Able to understand needs and motivations and manage expectations through negotiation and influence, effecting a change in customer behaviour to achieve the best outcome.

• Able to build positive relationships and work effectively and cooperatively with others, respecting difference and embracing diversity, challenging inequality and poor behaviour, be open to new ideas and act on feedback.

• Able to provide a fair and accurate information and advice service to customers by keeping up to date with current legislation, policies and procedures and applying them in the delivery of the service.

• Able to collect, analyse and evaluate relevant information and data to draw conclusions, supported by reasoned argument, to inform a decision or course of action.

• Able to identify and articulate any assumptions or risks and assess how they may impact on decisions or customers, recognising the needs of vulnerable households and take appropriate action referring to other teams or agencies where complex needs are identified.

• Able to communicate effectively in writing and orally, complex information, ideas and arguments clearly and concisely using communication styles that are appropriate to different people and situations.

• Able to precisely and accurately record information and maintain up to date case records using appropriate I.T. systems that reflect the nature of the enquiry, advice given and decisions made.

• Able to organise and monitor the progression of tasks and activities, progressing work in a timely manner and changing priorities to achieve expected outcomes and deadlines.

• Able to be responsible for own learning, growth and actions, striving to reach a high level of personal achievement to contribute to the Company success and personal development.