Housing & Welfare Officer

Job Title: Housing and Welfare Officer

Location: Walsall

Duration: 3 months initially

Working Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, 37 hours per week

IR35 Status: Inside

Job Description:

The Housing and Welfare Officer will provide highly specialized services related to housing and welfare, ensuring that customers across the borough receive the necessary support in accordance with housing legislation, welfare benefits, and other relevant policies. The officer will be responsible for delivering services to individuals experiencing housing issues, including homelessness, housing rights, and welfare benefits.

Main Responsibilities:

• Customer Support:
• Provide high standards of customer care for those applying for housing and welfare benefits assistance.
• Offer advice, support, and information to individuals facing housing need, preventing and resolving homelessness wherever possible.
• Assess the suitability of households for participation in the Council's private rented sector access scheme.
• Legislative Compliance and Decision Making:
• Make informed decisions on individual homelessness applications in line with the Housing Act 1996 and relevant case law.
• Apply discretion when making decisions within the legal framework while safeguarding Council resources.
• Ensure decisions are made in accordance with statutory law, central government guidance, and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Collaboration with External Partners:
• Work closely with partner agencies such as Children's Services to assess and prevent youth homelessness.
• Refer individuals with complex needs (e.g., mental health issues, substance misuse) to appropriate support agencies.
• Tribunal and Court Representation:
• Represent customers in Tribunal hearings or court cases concerning housing and welfare matters.
• Housing Options and Allocations:
• Carry out housing options assessments with applicants, providing assistance in securing suitable accommodation, including support with Housing Benefit claims.
• Administer the assisted choice process for priority housing applicants.
• Temporary Accommodation:
• Authorize placements into temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast, as necessary, considering the Council's financial constraints.
• Administration and Record Keeping:
• Maintain accurate case files and ensure all relevant systems and databases are kept up to date.
• Respond to and initiate correspondence with customers, stakeholders, and third parties regarding housing and welfare matters.
• Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement:
• Work flexibly across different access channels (e.g., in person, by phone, email) to meet customer needs and ensure efficient service delivery.
• Engage in continuous professional development and support service improvement initiatives.
• Corporate Duties:
• Adhere to Council policies on health, safety, diversity, and equality.
• Promote a culture of inclusivity and respect, both within the team and when interacting with customers and partners.

Essential Knowledge and Experience:

• Proven experience working in housing legislation, welfare benefits, Housing and Council Tax benefits, and homelessness regulations.
• Experience of providing advice and support to individuals experiencing homelessness or housing need.
• Knowledge of welfare rights, money management, and housing allocations systems.
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders, including external agencies, to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation relating to homelessness and welfare benefits.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong customer service skills with a commitment to equality of opportunity and accessibility.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to engage with people at all levels and explain complex issues clearly.
• Strong listening skills and an empathetic approach to customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data in line with legal requirements.
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle for site visits.

Qualifications:

• 5 GCEs (Grades A to C), including English and Maths, or equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• An awareness of and commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Commitment to confidentiality and handling sensitive data.