Housing Solutions Officer job at Ilford Full Time NEW

Job Title: Housing Solutions Officer

Location: London Borough of Redbridge – Ilford

Contract Type: Temporary / Contract

Rate: £30.38 per hour (Umbrella)

Job Purpose

The Housing Solutions Officer will provide a comprehensive homelessness prevention and housing advice service in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and associated legislation.

The role focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible by delivering proactive interventions, assessing housing needs, negotiating sustainable housing solutions, and supporting vulnerable households to secure and maintain suitable accommodation.

The successful candidate will manage a caseload of customers threatened with homelessness or already homeless, ensuring statutory duties are fulfilled while delivering high standards of customer service and case management.

Key ResponsibilitiesHomelessness Prevention & Relief

• Deliver a customer-focused homelessness prevention and housing options service.
• Assess homelessness applications and determine duties owed under relevant housing legislation.
• Conduct detailed housing needs assessments and develop Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).
• Work proactively with customers to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide advice on:
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Private rented sector options
  • Housing register applications
  • Welfare benefits and affordability
  • Tenancy sustainment
  • Family mediation and housing rights
• Negotiate with landlords, agents, family members, and support agencies to prevent homelessness.
• Identify appropriate housing solutions tailored to individual customer needs.

Case Management

• Manage a complex caseload of homelessness and housing needs cases.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic case records.
• Ensure all statutory decisions and notifications are issued within required timescales.
• Make legally robust decisions in line with housing legislation and case law.
• Monitor and review customer progress against agreed housing plans.
• Conduct safeguarding referrals where necessary.
• Refer customers to specialist support services including mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and social care services.

Temporary Accommodation & Housing Supply

• Assess suitability and affordability of accommodation offers.
• Liaise with Temporary Accommodation and Housing Supply teams regarding placements.
• Work to minimise the use of temporary accommodation and reduce associated costs.
• Support customers to access sustainable long-term housing options.

Partnership Working

• Develop effective working relationships with:
  • Internal housing teams
  • Adult and Children’s Social Care
  • Landlords and letting agents
  • Health professionals
  • Voluntary sector organisations
  • Legal representatives and advocates
• Represent the service professionally in meetings and case discussions.

Performance & Compliance

• Meet individual and team performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Housing Act 1996
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Data protection and safeguarding requirements
  • Council policies and procedures
• Prepare reports, case summaries, and responses to complaints or member enquiries.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and best practice development.

Knowledge, Skills & ExperienceEssential Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Housing Act 1996 Part VI and VII
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Homelessness Code of Guidance
  • Welfare benefits and housing affordability
  • Landlord and tenant legislation
  • Temporary accommodation processes
  • Safeguarding responsibilities

Essential Experience

• Experience working within homelessness prevention, housing options, or housing needs services.
• Experience managing complex housing casework.
• Experience working with vulnerable households and customers in crisis.
• Experience conducting interviews, assessments, and support planning.

Essential Skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong case management and organisational abilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply housing legislation.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining electronic records.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a London local authority housing service.
• Knowledge of housing management systems such as Jigsaw, Northgate, or Locata.
• Experience working with complex safeguarding or multi-agency cases.

Key Performance Outcomes

• Homelessness prevented or relieved
• Reduction in use of temporary accommodation
• Statutory decision targets achieved
• High-quality customer outcomes
• Effective case resolution and tenancy sustainment
• Positive customer service feedback

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual’s skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.