Homelessness Officer

**Job Description**:
**Homelessness Officer**

**Grade 6**:

- £15.80
**Hours of Work**:

- Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 17:00 & Friday 09:00 - 15:30
**Start Date** - ASAP
**End Date**:

- 31/03/2024
**Office based**:

- Midlothian

**Job Purpose**
- To support Homelessness and Housing services in Preventing Homelessness-
**Main Duties;**
- Work as part of a team providing a responsive and effective homelessness service.-
- Advise private tenants on housing options, homelessness legislation, Council housing policies and services, and tenancy rights and responsibilities and assistance where the Homelessness Section- Has paid a refundable rental deposit or provides a deposit guarantee.- Deliver an effective homelessness service, in-accordance with Council policy and procedures by;- offering a comprehensive advice service, and assistance, to homelessness applicants or enquirers who may be threatened with homelessness;- completing assessment interviews of homeless applicants;- completing single shared assessments;- making appropriate inquiries to verify information provided regarding applicants who present themselves to the Council as homeless;- taking action within procedures, including mediation, to prevent homelessness where appropriate;- arranging the placement referrals of homeless applicants in supported or temporary accommodation as appropriate;- making allocation referrals for the Council's stock of properties and a range of properties made available by other agencies;- completing approved fast-track assessments of homeless applicants for supported accommodation;- referring homeless applicants to the Social Work Liaison, the Tenancy Support Team, other council officers or appropriate external partner agencies for client assistance as required;- offering a general outreach support to all homeless persons placed in temporary accommodation ensuring the provision of mediation, follow up or support services as appropriate.**Required knowledge;**
- Knowledge of Housing and Homelessness legislation- Knowledge of local community based resources- Experience of working with challenging behaviours.