Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer

Overview

Neway International are seeking a Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer to join our client London Borough of Hillingdon within Homes & Communities. The London Borough of Hillingdon's Homes & Communities service provides frontline support to residents at risk of homelessness. The Housing Options team delivers statutory assessments, prevention and relief duties, and casework under the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act.

The service is fast-paced, high-demand, and focused on delivering timely, lawful, and customer-centred outcomes.

The Role:

The Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer will work within the Housing Options duty service, completing homelessness assessments, delivering prevention and relief interventions, and managing a varied caseload. The role requires strong legislative knowledge, excellent casework skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a busy frontline environment. You will be expected to hit the ground running, carrying out enquiries, drafting s184 decision letters, and working proactively with residents, landlords, and partner agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible.

• Deliver homelessness assessments in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Provide high-quality housing advice, prevention work, and case management.
• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring timely progression and compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Carry out detailed homelessness enquiries and gather evidence to support decision-making.
• Draft clear, accurate s184 decision letters.
• Participate in the Housing Options duty rota, responding to urgent cases and new approaches.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, support agencies, internal teams, and external partners.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure all actions comply with legislation and local procedures.
• Deliver customer-focused service in a pressurised environment.
• Support residents with empathy, professionalism, and a problem-solving approach.
• Uphold Hillingdon s values and commitment to high-quality service delivery.

• Strong experience as a Housing Options, Homelessness Assessment, or Prevention Officer (essential).
• In-depth knowledge of Part VII Housing Act 1996.
• In-depth knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Knowledge of relevant case law and statutory guidance.
• Proven experience completing homelessness enquiries and drafting s184 decision letters.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Customer-focused, empathetic, and resilient.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work 50% of the time in the office after induction.