Description: | For: Housing Options Officer (987819)
Meyer Scott Ref: VR/05558
Housing Options Officer – March – £20.00 ph, 3 Month
To investigate and advise on determination of all homelessness applications made to the Council and to comply with duties under homelessness legislation. To assist the Housing Options Team Leader in providing a comprehensive housing advice service to all Fenland residents on housing and related matters. To achieve homelessness prevention for our clients where appropriate. To interview clients who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in accordance with Part VII Housing Act 1996 incorporating the Homelessness Act 2002 and recommend the appropriate decision to the Housing Options Team Leader. Interviews will be conducted at various Council locations within Fenland. To carry out investigations and assessments of homelessness applications for assistance under the homeless legislation. To provide housing advice and assistance in preventing homelessness by telephone, in writing or in person to clients wherever possible. To liaise and negotiate with Landlords, Citizens Advice Bureau, Local Authorities, Police, Doctors, Community Psychiatric Nurses etc. by telephone, in writing or in person. To arrange the provision of interim accommodation for homeless clients where necessary and also ensure the protection and storage of furniture where appropriate. To take and progress applications under the Council’s Finders Fee Scheme and other initiatives to help prevent homelessness. To ensure that information is updated on the computer systems used for homelessness and the Housing Register. To keep abreast of changes in: legislation; case law; Council policy and practice; as may affect statutory duties or actions. To assist the Housing Options Team Leader in the provision of performance indicators and contribute to the delivery of the service plan. To participate in the homelessness standby ‘out of hours’ service (for which an additional payment is made). To collate data for the Housing Options Team Leader relating to the provision of interim accommodation in Bed and Breakfast and the Hostel for budget management purposes. To raise and progress orders for interim accommodation, taxis and interpreting services etc. To take responsibility for the re-ordering of information leaflets and advice booklets in relation to housing related issues. To assist in the archiving of completed applications and other documents as required. To participate as required in the Council’s Emergency Planning procedure. To seek continuous improvement in service standards in line with Best Value principles. Promote and contribute to the development of the Council’s “One Team” philosophy and approach to service delivery. To welcome incoming licensees and conduct ‘sign ups’ for the hostel and other temporary accommodation, ensuring that all incoming residents understand their licence agreement, hostel conditions of residency and emergency procedures. To assess incoming resident’s support needs and assist them in accessing this support Maintain regular contact with residents and provide support and assistance on issues such as welfare benefits, housing benefit, local facilities. To ensure that the terms of the occupancy agreement including house rules are explained and complied with by all residents and take appropriate action where breaches occur. Assist with the monitoring of residents’ feedback concerning their stay at the Hostel. To act where necessary to implement changes gathered from resident’s feedback. Act as a proactive agent of change. Ensure that areas of concern are satisfactorily resolved/avoided and that opportunities for improvements in service are identified and recommended to the Housing Options Team Leader as appropriate. Keep the Housing Options Team Leader informed of any potential vacancies within the Hostel and the external temporary accommodation. To welcome incoming licensees and conduct ‘sign ups’, ensuring that all incoming residents understand their licence agreement, hostel conditions of residency and to monitor licence payments, encourage prompt payments and pursue enforcement action for any non-payment of charges due. Assist residents with resettlement activities such as providing help in obtaining furniture or floating support. To ensure that the maintenance of the building, gardens, furniture and equipment are properly managed and maintained in accordance with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act etc., encouraging residents to keep their own rooms and communal areas tidy and clean. Assist with annual Risk Assessments and regularly monitor the Risk Assessments for the Hostel. Assist with annual Risk Assessments and regularly monitor the Risk Assessments for the temporary accommodation properties. Liaise with voluntary groups and individuals in the community to maximize opportunities for residents to socialise and take part in activities in their local community. Act at all times in a way that presents a positive image of the post holder and the Council.
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