We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Lewisham to assist with the appointment of a Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer, on a 12-month contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Rate of Pay: £20.42 - £26.65 per hour

Responsibilities:

• To provide advice and practical assistance when required to customers in respect of security of tenure across all types of tenure, including matrimonial rights and attending court as needed in order to prevent homelessness.
• To investigate landlord and tenant disputes including allegations of harassment and illegaleviction within the meaning of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and Protection from Harassment Act 1997, intervening and negotiating with all parties as required to prevent
  homelessness.
• To provide information about debt counseling and money advice services to customers in rent or mortgage arrears including advice on the availability of welfare benefits and prioritizing debts, referring people to the DWP, Housing Benefit Service or CAB as appropriate.
• To negotiate with landlords, Banks, Building Societies and other lenders, estate agents and solicitors on behalf of customers in rent or mortgage arrears.
• To undertake a comprehensive assessment of vulnerable customers in respect of their support and housing related needs including the risk to themselves and others.
• To develop and maintain a sound knowledge of the support needs of vulnerable single customers presenting to the Council for assistance including physical and mental health, substance misuse, offending, learning disabilities, independent living skills, education, training and employment needs.

Required Experience:

• Experience of composing and issuing detailed and legally robust S184 decision letters in line with the duties owed to customers under the homelessness legislation
• Experience of producing detailed and accurate reports and letters to the public and other professionals
• Experience of working in a demanding front line service in a housing environment
• Experience of front line interviewing and of dealing effectively with confrontational situations
• Experience of working with vulnerable client groups and providing appropriate support as required

Please note:

• You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
• You should have right to work in U.K

Disclaimer: Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though opening assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.

Important: We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. Incase the role requires an enhanced DBS, your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.

#RQ1363710