The role
1 x Permanent and 2 x Fixed Term contracts (1 year)
Do you have a passion for customer excellence?
Are you solution based and like to work in partnership?
Do you understand the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and how to apply the law in practice?
Are you a team player and able to deal with pressurised situations?
Do you understand the housing issues within London and have ideas on how this can be improved?
If so,
Southwark Housing Solutions Service has one permanent vacancy and two fixed term contacts for one year for Housing Solutions Officers. Southwark is a diverse borough that has a high demand for housing. We have developed a service that has customer service excellence, prevents households from being homeless and secures accommodation for customers that need help with alternative housing. The Housing Solutions officers will need to have a high level understanding of the homelessness legislation, an ability to manage competing priorities, be able to assess customers with support needs and ensure customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything they do.
The role would involve having a caseload, being able to draft legally binding letters to a high standard, agreeing steps with customers on how to resolve their housing and working in partnership with key stakeholders such as Shelter homelessness charity and Solace Women’s Aid. You will need to have experience of being able to make difficult decisions on matters such as emergency homelessness, safeguarding adults and children and supporting customers that are facing financial challenges.
The purpose of this position is to provide a customer focused service to meet the housing needs of customers who are threatened with homelessness or who are homeless. The post holder will interview customers face to face to provide an effective, professional homelessness service on behalf of the Council including high level detailed assessments and investigation of homeless approaches and applications in line with the Councils’ statutory duties under Housing Act 1996 Part 7 as amended by Homelessness Reduction Act, Statutory guidance and relevant case law.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the initial contact with the customer is a positive and comfortable experience. This position is fundamental to the provision of services to vulnerable customers who may approach the council for assistance through the Children’s Act, the Care Act, and all relevant housing legislation including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: 12th June 2019
Interview and assessment date: 26th June 2019
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