We are recruiting for a Housing Solutions Specialist to support the delivery of a proactive homelessness prevention and housing advice service in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The successful candidate will work with individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, providing housing options, developing personalised housing plans, and undertaking statutory homelessness investigations.

Rate of pay: Negotiable

Start: ASAP

Duration: Fixed-term / Permanent (subject to client requirements)

Working arrangement: Hybrid (home visits and office attendance required)

Role Overview

This is a frontline role requiring strong case management, housing legislation knowledge, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, landlords, support agencies, and other stakeholders to prevent and relieve homelessness.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days, developing and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs)
• Deliver comprehensive housing advice and homelessness prevention solutions across both private and social housing sectors
• Conduct detailed homelessness investigations and make decisions in accordance with Housing Act legislation and statutory guidance
• Undertake home visits, hospital visits, and meetings with applicants and partner agencies to identify and secure housing solutions
• Mediate and negotiate with landlords, tenants, family members, and support agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible
• Issue statutory homelessness decisions, including Section 184 decision notices and associated correspondence
• Assess eligibility, priority need, local connection, intentional homelessness, and relief duties under homelessness legislation
• Prepare referrals and documentation for temporary accommodation placements where homelessness cannot be prevented
• Maintain accurate case records, performance data, and statutory reporting using homelessness management systems (e.g., Locata)
• Liaise effectively with social services, housing providers, legal representatives, health professionals, welfare agencies, and voluntary organisations
• Safeguard vulnerable adults, children, and young people, making referrals to appropriate agencies where necessary
• Contribute to the development of homelessness prevention initiatives, service improvements, and best practice across the service
• Participate in out-of-hours emergency homelessness services on a rota basis where required

Candidate Requirements

• Experience working within homelessness prevention, housing options, or statutory homelessness services
• Experience conducting homelessness assessments, investigations, and case management
• Experience issuing Section 184 homelessness decisions and applying homelessness legislation in practice
• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996, Housing Act 1988, Homelessness Act 2002, and associated statutory guidance
• Experience carrying out interviews, negotiations, mediation, and complex casework
• Understanding of welfare benefits, housing support services, tenancy rights, and private rented sector housing
• Experience working with vulnerable households and individuals experiencing housing crises
• Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) qualification or equivalent (desirable)
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes