Housing Solutions Officer - #2119724

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The role involves assessing homelessness applications and assessments in accordance with Parts 6 and 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended). This includes ensuring that all applications are completed within statutory and service standard timeframes, and that government data requirements are met promptly. The position demands strong negotiation skills and a high level of technical and legal expertise. It also includes making decisions on ending duties for restricted duty households and discharges into the private rented sector. Additionally, the role supports managers in the practical development of junior officers by providing training and guidance on related legal areas such as the Children Act, mental health legislation, and other relevant legal developments, all while aligning with the corporate vision and expectations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Deliver a legally compliant, high-quality homelessness service on behalf of the Council, ensuring that all housing register applications and homelessness assessments are carried out thoroughly and in strict accordance with statutory requirements as set out under Parts 6 and 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), as well as adhering to current Council policies and relevant case law. This includes taking full responsibility for ensuring all actions and decisions are defensible and appropriately documented, and that all statutory deadlines and regulatory obligations are met within required timeframes.

2. Conduct comprehensive and meticulous investigations into homelessness applications and housing-related enquiries, carefully gathering and evaluating all relevant information to provide fair, balanced, and consistent decisions that are fully compliant with the latest legislation, statutory guidance, and local policies. Ensure that all applicants and service users are treated with impartiality and respect, and that decisions are clearly communicated and justified with reference to legal and policy frameworks.

3. Serve as the borough’s principal source of intelligence and expertise on homelessness, routinely analysing data and information from a range of sources to identify emerging trends and issues affecting local residents.

4. Implement all feasible and effective measures to prevent and relieve homelessness for individuals and families at risk, including developing and making timely, suitable Private Rented Sector offers to reduce the reliance on temporary accommodation.

5. Respond promptly, efficiently, and with professionalism to a wide range of enquiries and communications from clients, their advocates, solicitors, and partner agencies. Ensure that all correspondence is managed in line with statutory guidance, the Council’s complaints procedures, and best practice standards, providing timely and accurate information to maintain public confidence in the service.

6. Prepare high-quality documentation, written statements, and reports to support legal proceedings or court cases when required, ensuring all materials are accurate, comprehensive, and fully compliant with statutory obligations and evidential requirements. Represent the Council in legal forums when necessary, demonstrating detailed knowledge and expertise in homelessness law and related areas.

7. Maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date records of all service delivery, actions, and decisions, ensuring robust audit trails and compliance with statutory reporting requirements. Monitor and record internal performance data to support effective service management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.

8. Produce clear, concise, and insightful reports on service performance and operational management for senior staff and stakeholders. Present findings and recommendations in a manner that facilitates effective oversight, informed 3 decision-making, and strategic planning within the department and across the Council.

9. Participate actively and constructively in a range of relevant projects and initiatives, working collaboratively with colleagues from Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Public Health, IT, and other departments to further the aims of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Contribute knowledge and expertise to multi-agency initiatives and cross-service workstreams to deliver integrated, person-centred services.

10. Support and develop front-line officers by designing, reviewing, and updating service procedures, drafting decision letters, maintaining and improving web content, and providing expert guidance and advice to colleagues in related service areas. Ensure that all outputs and communications are legally compliant and reflect statutory duties, up-to-date policy, and best practice.

11. Identify, promote, and embed best practice within the homelessness team, championing a culture of continuous service improvement.

The Housing Assessment Officer is a key member of the Housing Needs and Support division, reporting directly to the Homelessness Assessment Manager. While the role does not include direct line management responsibilities, the officer is expected to support junior staff through informal supervision and the provision of legal guidance. Working as part of a team tasked with statutory homelessness assessments and associated legal decisions, the officer operates with a significant degree of autonomy, especially when making decisions regarding the cessation of duties and the discharge of cases into the private rented sector.