Housing Options (Single Persons Homeless) Officer
At Epsom & Ewell, we aspire to deliver high quality services to our residents. We might be small, but we have big plans to serve our population of 80,000 residents. We are investing in our future, increasing strategic capacity and exploring new ways of working.
Our long-term vision for the Borough tells us where we want to be and how we’re going to get there. This new role will be crucial to delivering that vision and the aspirations of local people, as well as driving forward key deliverables from our Four Year and Recovery Plans.
This role has been specifically created to enable E&EBC to provide personalised resettlement support to former rough sleepers, single ‘non priority need’ customers and those who are/were at risk of rough sleeping.
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with experience of working in a similar role in a Local Housing Authority and a good understanding of the Housing Act 1996 (as ammended), to join our busy Housing Options team
Working within the amended legislation as set out in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 you will interview, assess and be responsible for the issuing of Personal Housing Plans. Previous experience of front line interviewing within a demanding housing environment whilst applying the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, the Homelessness Act 2002, the Localism Act 2011 and related legislation is therefore essential to ensure customers are being dealt with in the correct workstream.
It will include providing intensive outreach support while they are in interim/emergency accommodation; assisting clients to proactively find and secure move-on accommodation either in supported or private rented accommodation (with the assistance of our Rent Deposit Scheme) and then providing on-going tenancy sustainment and support in their new accommodation.
You will develop good relationships and work in partnership with a range of local agencies to ensure that we maximise the options available to those in housing need. You will need to be confident liaising with people to ensure that an individual is supported as much as possible to deal with any issues they may have which are impacting on their situation and possess strong negotiation and person skills to work with landlords and third parties.
We are looking for a team player capable of working in a busy and varied environment, who will be innovative and resourceful in solving housing issues and identifying housing options for people. You will be customer-focused, empathetic and creative with a commitment to working in partnership with internal and external contacts to ensure a high quality and efficient service. The service is fast paced and deals with very challenging, complex and difficult clients at times. The successful candidate will have to demonstrate excellent mediation and coaching skills to build up a positive rapport with clients that motivates them to take responsibility for their own situation and work with the council.
The role is a three year fixed term contract and is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a professional and committed team and we look forward to receiving your application. For further details please go to www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/careers or contact Simon Coles, Housing Options Manager at scoles@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
Closing date : 24 August 2022
Interviews/ assessments: 31 August 2022
Diversity statement
At Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, we are passionate about maintaining an inclusive workplace for all that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of our community particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, including BAME, LGBTQ+ and those with hidden or visible disabilities.We are committed to ensuring all our staff – regardless of gender, age, religion, sexuality, ethnicity or disability – can thrive and succeed whilst working with us.