Casework Office

Agency cover needed to cover long term sickness in the HOST team to provide statutory fronltine homelessness case management

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

1. To provide a homelessness prevention, housing options and bespoke service to those single clients homeless or threatened with homelessness

2. To assist and guide single clients with support needs to make appropriate choices reading their housing pathways

3. To ensure that single clients receive, either directly or through relevant partners, appropriate advice on their housing options that offer alternatives to the making of a homeless application

4. To ensure that all enquiries and cases are progressed speedily and efficiently and that all set targets are achieved

5. To ensure excellent customer service standards are maintained and contribute to year on year improvement of those standards

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To use a dedicated assessment tool to determine the most appropriate form of supported accommodation for single clients

1. To contribute in the development and delivery of team plans and other relevant council plans and strategies so that targets and performance requirements are met

1. To effectively communicate the Council’s duties and policies to customers and partner organisations directly, in writing and through customer information

1. To provide detailed customer care letters to clients setting out advice given and the agreed housing pathway where homelessness cannot be prevented

1. To write s184 decision letters

1. To be the contact point for one or more local hostel providers and to develop excellent working practices between them and the council

1. To make recommendations on the use of temporary discretionary accommodation pending a supported hostel placement

1. To develop and share a comprehensive network of contacts across the public, private and voluntary sectors to improve partnership working

Knowledge

Knowledge of the duties owed to the homeless under Part VII of the

Housing Act 1996 and the

Homelessness Act 2002

Knowledge of the strategies for preventing homelessness and the main housing options initiatives, provided by both statutory and

voluntary organisations

A working knowledge of the Care Act and Equality Act as they pertain to

single vulnerable people

Qualifications & Experience

The ability to deliver homelessness prevention and housing option solutions with these being tailored to diverse communities and differing

customer needs

The ability to

communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a good standard, giving advice and information sensitively and

persuasively

The ability to negotiate both with homeless people and on their behalf to broker housing solutions