Job Role: Homelessness and Housing Officer

Location: Greater Manchester

Duration: On Going

Date entered: 26.02.2010

Small description:

Location: Rochdale and Blackburn (2 positions)
Duration: On Going
Salary: £13.80 - £14.75 per hour

Large description:

HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING ADVICE OFFICER

Overall Purpose

To provide an effective, efficient and caring service to those seeking help and advice
As a result of homelessness including the provision of housing advice..

KEY ACHEIVEMENTS AREAS

To provide a pro-active service to members of the public and respond to their requests and requirements in connection with the homelessness service.

To conduct initial interviews, both in and out of the office, and make relevant enquires with those who approach the trust as homeless or threatened with homelessness in order to assess if any statuary duty is owed.

To carry out formal investigations under the Housing Act part V111

To deal with all aspects of “interm” and temporary accommodation or permanent housing arrangements of homeless applicants inputting information onto computerised systems.

To produce reports for 1st and 2nd stage Appeals as required by homelessness and housing Advice Manager.

To take appropriate action to prevent homelessness on behalf of clients who are at risk of losing their home, liaising with relevant agencies.

To negotiate with creditors and financial institutions on behalf of homeless applicants where appropriate.

To maintain an up to date knowledge of the legalisation on homelessness, welfare benefits and housing legislation in respect of the private rented sector and give advice and guidance to the public.

To deal promptly with all enquiries from members of the public including personal callers, telephone calls and correspondence.

To monitor in conjunction with Homelessness and Housing Advice Management work priorities in order to fulfil the objectives of the Trust.

Personal specification

Experience of multi-agency working, experience of working in social housing, particularly in the area of homelessness and/or housing advice.

Experience of dealing with customers face to face, by telephone or in writing also of investigation techniques and knowledge of alternative homelessness legislation.

Good understanding and commitment to Social Housing, housing advice and homelessness, effective interviewing skills

Ability to cope with a variety of stressful situations, including conflict, Awareness and understanding of effective customer care

Able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing PC/Keyboards skills, effective letter and report writing skills.

For more information, please contact Victoria Brown on 0161 941 4822

CV's to victoria.brown@housingsupport.co.uk