Homelessness Prevention Officer

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Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Wokingham Borough Council is dedicated to preventing homelessness and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, secure housing. Our Homelessness Prevention Team play a crucial role in delivering these services by providing comprehensive support to individuals and families at risk of losing their homes. We are now seeking a passionate and dedicated Homelessness Prevention Officer to join our team and contribute to our mission of reducing homelessness across the borough.

The Role

As a Homelessness Prevention Officer, you will be responsible for providing expert housing advice and support to a diverse range of applicants, including families and single individuals, who are at risk of homelessness. You will work to prevent homelessness by developing personalised housing plans and ensuring compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing timely and detailed housing advice and assistance to individuals and families presenting as homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
• Conducting thorough assessments of those at risk of homelessness, implicating practical measures to prevent and relieve homelessness in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act.
• Developing detailed, personalised housing plans that address the specific needs and circumstances of each applicant.
• Investigating statutory duties owed to homeless applicants, issuing relevant notification decisions under Section 184 of the Housing Act.
• Conducting financial assessments to determine affordability and identify barriers to securing housing for homeless households.
• Supporting applicants in accessing private rented sector housing

About You

We are looking for a motivated and compassionate individual who is committed to preventing homelessness. The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong background in homelessness prevention and housing services.
• In-depth knowledge of the Housing Act, particularly section 184, and other relevant legislation.
• Experience in conducting thorough housing assessments and developing personalised housing plans.
• The ability to manage complex cases,
• A commitment to delivering high-quality customer care and treating all applicants with fairness and respect.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join an excellent and dynamic team.

To apply, please follow the link below.

Closing date of applications: 27th November, 11pm

Interview date: week commencing 1st December

For an Informal discussion, please contact: Kate Layzell, Team Manager Housing Needs and Options on kate.layzell@wokingham.gov.uk or Karen Giles, Team Leader - Homelessness Services on karen.giles@wokingham.gov.uk

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.