Housing Needs Officer

Housing Needs Officer

We are recruiting for a Housing Needs Officer to deliver statutory homelessness and housing options services. This role will focus on preventing and relieving homelessness, carrying out assessments under housing legislation, managing a varied caseload and securing suitable housing solutions, including through the Private Rented Sector.

Region: West London

Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days per week office-based, 3 days hybrid

Contract Length: 12 months

Key Responsibilities

• Assess applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Complete statutory homelessness assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Deliver prevention and relief duties in line with legislation and statutory guidance.
• Work with landlords, lenders, family members and partner agencies to prevent homelessness and sustain existing accommodation.
• Secure suitable housing solutions, including social housing, supported accommodation and the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
• Assess eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentional homelessness and local connection.
• Make legally compliant statutory decisions supported by evidence.
• Prepare Section 184 decision letters, prevention and relief notices, duty-end letters and other statutory correspondence.
• Promote the Private Rented Sector as a housing option and build relationships with landlords and letting agents.
• Support applicants with tenancy sustainment, affordability assessments and financial assistance schemes.
• Provide advice on housing options, tenancy rights, welfare benefits and Universal Credit.
• Manage a diverse caseload, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with statutory timescales.
• Deliver a frontline Housing Options Duty Service, assessing emergency presentations and arranging emergency accommodation where required.
  Identify safeguarding concerns and make referrals in line with safeguarding procedures.

Skills and Experience

• Experience delivering homelessness and housing options services within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Experience completing homelessness assessments and producing Personalised Housing Plans.
• Experience making statutory homelessness decisions and issuing Section 184 decision letters.
• Knowledge of the Private Rented Sector, tenancy law and housing options.
  Experience managing complex caseloads and working to statutory deadlines.
  Understanding of welfare benefits, Universal Credit and affordability assessments.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and supporting vulnerable households.
  Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  Ability to produce accurate case records and legally compliant documentation.

If you have experience delivering statutory homelessness services and are looking for your next contract opportunity, we would like to hear from you.