Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer
London Borough of Hillingdon
£28 per hour (umbrella) | 3+ months contract (potential to extend)
The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking an experienced Housing Advice & Homeless Prevention Officer to join our Housing Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of residents by providing professional, responsive, and personalised housing advice and support.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver high-quality housing advice and options to residents, supporting them to make informed choices and prevent homelessness.
Assess and determine homelessness applications in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Manage a complex caseload, ensuring timely and accurate casework and record-keeping.
Support residents at risk of losing their homes through early intervention, tenancy sustainment, and signposting to appropriate services.
Work closely with colleagues across Housing, Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and external partners to provide a seamless service.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with private landlords and agents to secure sustainable accommodation options.
Respond sensitively to vulnerable residents, including those at risk of harm, safeguarding adults and children where appropriate.
Contribute to the delivery of homelessness strategies, service improvement initiatives, and housing policy development.
Candidate Profile:
Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related case law.
Proven experience of managing homelessness prevention and housing options casework.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with residents, colleagues, and external partners.
Ability to manage a busy caseload to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and risk management.
Commitment to the Council's vision of "putting our residents first" by delivering customer-focused services.
Working Arrangements:
Office-based induction period: 2-4 weeks (depending on competency).
Hybrid working: Following induction, candidates should expect to be office-based 50% of the time.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
