Housing Inclusion Officer

Pay NEGOTIABLE

1. To ensure that people applying to the Council for assistance in resolving a housing problem receive advice about the housing options available to them and support to access housing and other services that they need.
2. To provide comprehensive housing options, support and homelessness prevention advice including the use of affordability assessments for all applicants and issue personalised housing plans and decisions based on the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Code of Guidance, as well as assisting people to access the Choice Based Lettings Scheme, private rented sector and other housing options.
2. To be responsible for managing a caseload in order to maximise preventions, reduce homelessness acceptances and reduce admissions to temporary accommodation, whilst ensuring that casework meets performance standards, and that events and outcomes are properly recorded as required.
3. To develop, acquire and retain a sound knowledge of legislation and policy in relation to housing and homelessness (including relevant case law), safeguarding and social care and welfare benefits.
4. To undertake enquiries into the circumstances of housing applicants, obtaining and checking documents, contacting family, friends and partner agencies, and gathering information for the purposes of preventing homelessness, verifying applications and fully identifying needs and risks.
5. To maintain comprehensive, confidential and accurate case records for clients of the service, identifying any suspected risks or safeguarding concerns arising for children or adults to the Team Leader or other manager.
6. To work closely with Children's Services, Adults and Older Peoples Services, Health Services, Criminal Justice Agencies, mediation services, support agencies, substance misuse services, employment and training advice services and others to assess and meet the needs of clients, obtaining and sharing information and making referrals as appropriate.
7. To ensure that risks associated with customers are properly assessed and mitigated, and that information is shared appropriately to minimise risk and improve safe outcomes. To complete risk management plans and review when necessary.
8. To participate in any team duty rotas during office hours, undertake home visits including on an emergency basis, with the aim of preventing homelessness, and delivering support to vulnerable people to sustain accommodation.
9. To provide reports on casework as requested by the Team Leader, ensuring that full and accurate records are kept of all customer contacts and casework.
10. To undertake training for Safeguarding Adults and Children, Domestic Abuse, Data Governance etc. as required by the Service and be responsible for ensuring safeguarding concerns are highlighted and brought to the attention of the Team Leader / manager.
11. To make good and proper use of the Council's IT systems, entering and retrieving information accurately and appropriately, ensuring that databases and other casework records are correct and up to date.
12. To carry out all duties with due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty, Health and Safety regulations and in line with the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy, Customer Care Policies and the New Technology Agreement.

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