Homelessness Prevention & Advice Officer; Temp: West

An exciting opportunity has emerged for a temporary Homelessness Prevention and Advice Officer to join one of Adecco's public sector clients in a temporary contract, initially for 3 months (but highly likely to be extended).

Our client is based near to Heathrow Airport in West London and this is a full time role for 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Office attendance is 2 days each week.

Due to the busy nature of the role, the client is keen for applicants to possess previous experience of:

• Interviewing clients and resolving all housing problems.
• Processing claims for homeless applications as required under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
• Advising and preventing homelessness by offering the correct advice to clients approaching the Council as homeless.
• Assessing whether those who are threatened with homelessness qualify for private sector options under the Housing Act, Part VII, as amended.
• Having regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance and the Council's Homelessness Prevention and resilience agenda.
• Sound knowledge of Housing and Homelessness Law and experience in resolving complex housing problems.
• Administrative skills to manage caseload and work effectively in a team of 6-8 officers.
• Ability to deal with very demanding service users and partners, and have strong IT and admin skills.
• Updating PHP's (Personal Housing Plans).
• Writing accurate S184 decision letters.

As the client is keen for the candidate to hit the ground running, previous experience of carrying out a similar role with a local authority client in the last two years would be hugely beneficial. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is also important. A car driver is not required.

Only applicants who feel they meet the above criteria and can start on short notice (2 weeks' maximum) need apply.