Homelessness Caseworker - SO2

Job Title: Homelessness Caseworker
Salary:£32 Umbrella per hour
Location: Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1UW

Role Purpose
The Caseworker plays a key role in delivering high-quality homelessness prevention, relief and housing advice services to residents. Working within the Housing Needs and Homelessness Service, the postholder will manage a varied caseload, providing proactive, person-centred support to prevent homelessness, relieve homelessness where prevention is not possible, and help residents secure sustainable housing solutions.
The role involves carrying out statutory homelessness assessments, developing Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), managing prevention, relief and main housing duty cases, supporting move-on from temporary accommodation, and providing specialist housing advice. The Caseworker will work collaboratively with internal departments, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), landlords, voluntary organisations and other partner agencies to deliver positive outcomes for residents while ensuring compliance with housing legislation and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive housing advice and homelessness prevention services in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated legislation.
- Manage a diverse caseload from initial enquiry through to case closure, ensuring timely and legally compliant case management.
- Conduct statutory homelessness assessments and determine duties owed to applicants.
- Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), agreeing practical and achievable reasonable steps with applicants.
- Work proactively to prevent homelessness through negotiation, mediation and early intervention.
- Support applicants to access housing options including social housing, the private rented sector, low-cost home ownership and supported accommodation.
- Provide advice on tenancy rights, security of tenure, welfare benefits and financial assistance, including Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).

Case Management
- Deliver prevention, relief, main housing duty and move-on casework to a high professional standard.
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records using the Council's case management systems, ensuring GDPR compliance.
- Prepare statutory decision letters, reports and legal documentation within required timescales.
- Support homelessness reviews and prepare documentation for legal proceedings where required.
- Manage complex cases involving multiple agencies and competing priorities.

Move-On & Temporary Accommodation
- Support residents to move from temporary accommodation into suitable, sustainable long-term housing.
- Identify and secure housing solutions through effective partnership working with landlords, letting agents, Registered Social Landlords and housing providers.
- Promote effective use of the Council's Housing Allocations Policy and private rented sector options.
- Investigate cases involving abandoned, sub-let or misused temporary accommodation where appropriate.

Customer Service
- Deliver an excellent customer-focused service that reflects the Council's commitment to putting residents first.
- Empower residents to make informed housing decisions and improve their long-term housing independence.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with residents, elected members, colleagues and external organisations.
- Manage challenging situations with empathy, professionalism and resilience.

Service Development & Performance
- Contribute to service improvements, policy development and transformation initiatives.
- Support the delivery of Housing Strategy, Homelessness Strategy and Rough Sleeping Strategy objectives.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation, policy, guidance and best practice.
- Participate in training, supervision, appraisals and continuous professional development.
- Contribute to achieving team performance indicators and statutory targets.

Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Appropriate qualification in Housing, Social Care, Public Services or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade C/Level 4 or above).

Essential Experience
- Managing housing, homelessness or related casework.
- Interviewing and assessing customers with housing needs.
- Applying housing legislation and statutory guidance.
- Managing complex caseloads and competing priorities.
- Working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
- Resolving conflict through negotiation and mediation.
- Working within performance targets and statutory deadlines.

Essential Knowledge
- Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and associated legislation.
- Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
- Housing allocations and homelessness prevention.
- Welfare benefits and Discretionary Housing Payments.
- Safeguarding adults and children.
- Housing options including private rented sector and temporary accommodation.
- Relevant Codes of Guidance and housing case law.

Essential Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong assessment, analytical and decision-making ability.
- Ability to produce accurate reports and statutory correspondence.
- Excellent organisational and case management skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour professionally.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office and housing management systems.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable
- Professional housing qualification (CIH, NVQ, Diploma or Degree).
- Experience of move-on and temporary accommodation services.
- Experience preparing legal case files and review documentation.
- Full UK driving licence.