An exciting opportunity has emerged for a Senior Homelessness Caseworker to join the homeless team at one of Vivid’s key public sector clients in a temporary contract, initially for 3 months (but highly likely to be extended).
Our client is based in Crawley in West Sussex (near to Gatwick Airport) and this is a full-time role for 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, and working hybridly, so office attendance is required 2 days each week. This role involves strong homeless decision making skills so excellent written communication skills and housing legislation knowledge is essential.
Due to the busy nature of the role, the client is keen for applicants to possess previous experience of:
* Interviewing clients and resolving all housing problems.
* Providing casework support to more inexperienced officers within the housing options team.
* Processing claims for homeless applications as required under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
* Advising and preventing homelessness by offering the correct advice to clients approaching the Council as homeless.
* Assessing whether those who are threatened with homelessness qualify for private sector options under the Housing Act, Part VII, as amended.
* Having regard to the Homelessness Code of Guidance and the Council’s Homelessness Prevention and resilience agenda.
* Writing accurate section 184 decision letters and responding to complaints and MP enquiries.
* Sound knowledge of Housing and Homelessness Law and experience in resolving complex housing problems.
* Administrative skills to manage caseload and work effectively in a team of 6-8 officers
* Ability to deal with very demanding service users and partners and have strong IT and admin skills.
* Updating PHP’s (Personal Housing Plans)
As the client is keen for the candidate to hit the ground running previous experience of carrying out a similar role with a local authority client in the last two years would be hugely beneficial. Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act is also important. A car driver is not required.