Housing Options Assistant

at  South Gloucestershire Council

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As a HomeChoice Assistant, you will be doing really important work preventing homelessness by supporting vulnerable people to access and maintain suitable housing and accommodation. You will also play a vital role in a household’s health and wellbeing by providing front-line housing advice and homelessness services to those seeking a home in South Gloucestershire.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Ideally you will demonstrate relevant experience in a similar role, preferably housing or other statutory service, and within a multi-agency environment, and knowledge of relevant housing processes.
• You will demonstrate knowledge of housing options and advice, an understanding of housing remedies including homelessness and an understanding of the needs of vulnerable people and minority groups.
• You will show empathy and be able to appreciate the problems facing your household, and can creatively think about finding housing solutions that support your household in solving their housing problems.
• You will have an ability to carry out financial assessments related to housing options and some knowledge of welfare benefits.
• You will have knowledge and understanding of housing legislation, landlord and tenant law and security of tenure as it relates to this post.
• You must be willing to travel within the authority and outside of the authority on occasions.
  Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.

• You will conduct the assessment of all customers approaching for housing advice. This includes verifying legal rights of occupation, and collating information available to help inform a housing plan, including referrals for specialist help and support, and priority for supported housing places.
• You will be required to act as the key point of contact during the assessment phase and in many cases, you will resolve the persons’ situation at this stage.
• You will also hold a caseload, concluding homelessness applications, making other appropriate applications for housing and give support to help those in need gain access to relevant specialist advice or support services in order to resolve their problem/s and prevent homelessness.
• You will be accountable for keeping accurate and up to date records and update systems as required.