Housing Solutions Officer (Homelessness Relief) Ref: 18-25

Salary: Grade 8, starting at £30,873 per annum (pay award pending)
Hours: Full time, 37 per week
Basis: Permanent
Place of Work: Working from offices in Dereham and Thetford and some home working

Would you like a job where what you do:

• makes a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in your community?
• ensures excellent quality of advice and assistance given to people threatened with homelessness as a result of domestic abuse?

We are reviewing how we deliver our homelessness services and this role focuses mostly on the relief of homelessness as well as the main decision duty investigation and decision making. 

If you have experience in working in a similar role and have the qualities we value, then this could be the right role for you.

About you:

The type of person that you are and your attitude is just as important to us as your working experience.  People like dealing with you because you make things easy for them to understand and you focus on and listen to what they say. You are empathetic and will do whatever you can to help, which allows you to quickly establish rapport and build strong relationships. You provide fair and accurate feedback to others, helping them to believe in themselves, see what they are capable of achieving and create the conditions for people to grow and develop for themselves.  You are quite happy to take responsibility for your own decisions and accountabilities.

You will deal sensitively with situations that may be challenging but require clear and logical decisions to be made. You keep going no matter how difficult things get, and use setbacks as a springboard for greater success. You have an inner composure whatever the situation and are exceptionally well-organised, ensuring that everything you do is accurate and error free. Although you plan your work out in advance, you regularly re-prioritise to manage changing demands. Although you like to work within fixed guidelines you enjoy working out how things can be improved or done better.

You are passionate about providing the best possible service for our residents. 

Is this you?

• 'I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input'
• 'I listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge'
• 'I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'
• 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'
• 'I am flexible ensuring I provide the best possible service, wherever and whenever is best for the customer'
• 'I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan'
• 'I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'
• 'I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience'
• 'I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me.'

OK, I'm interested... But is it really the job for me?

As a Housing Solutions Officer you will:

• Provide customers approaching the Council with timely and comprehensive housing advice and information and support to access services covering a range of housing issues including:
  - Housing and tenancy rights in both private and social rented sectors and for homeowners.
  - Financial advice including housing and welfare benefits, maximising income and tackling debt
  - Housing options including private rented sector, housing register, specialist accommodation such as refuges, low cost home ownership, etc.
  - The Council's statutory duties under the homelessness legislation
• Give advice on the wide range of housing options available to clients in differing circumstances, including the signposting clients to relevant third parties
• Take a creative approach to the relief of homelessness through the use of a comprehensive toolkit, including applying for Discretionary Housing Payments, negotiating with landlords and applying to charities for assistance to name but a few.
• Undertake homelessness relief casework, managing a varied and complex caseload.
• Carry out an investigation if the 56-day homelessness relief duty is triggered (as defined by the Homelessness Prevention Act 2017) and make a Main Duty decision.
• Carry out a thorough interview to accurately understand the clients' housing and support needs, maintaining accurate and detailed case notes.

Please see the job description and person specification for more a comprehensive list of duties that the role normally entails as you could be asked to occasionally pick up other responsibilities, and also for the personal qualities needed.

Closing date - 9am, Monday 23 June 2025