Housing Options Officer

Marks Consulting Partners are currently looking for a Relief Duty Officer to work with one of our Local Authority clients in London.

What the Job Will be doing

• Managing a caseload of clients who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, delivering timely advice and housing solutions to prevent homelessness
• Assessing applications in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), making robust and legally sound decisions
• Fully investigating homelessness applications and determining the Council s duties under current legislation and Codes of Guidance
• Responding to Duty to Refer cases and working proactively with partner agencies to prevent homelessness
• Assessing housing needs and providing tailored advice to help clients sustain existing accommodation or secure alternative housing
• Securing suitable temporary accommodation where a statutory duty is owed, ensuring placements are appropriate and compliant
• Conducting home visits and mediating between households and landlords where required
• Working closely with housing associations, private landlords and letting agents to maximise housing options for clients
• Investigating cases of harassment or illegal eviction and liaising with legal teams and external partners where necessary
• Monitoring the welfare of clients in temporary accommodation and providing ongoing support and advice
• Maintaining accurate case records and contributing to performance data and service reporting
• Representing the service at multi-agency meetings and working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners

What You Will Need

• Previous experience working within a Housing Options, Homelessness or Relief Duty role in a Local Authority or similar setting
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Experience assessing homelessness applications and making statutory decisions
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with vulnerable clients and stakeholders
• Experience working with temporary accommodation placements and private rented sector options
• Good understanding of safeguarding, welfare benefits and housing support services
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to maintain accurate case records