We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Homelessness Prevention Officer to provide specialist advice, intervention, and support to individuals and families at risk of homelessness. You will work directly with those facing eviction, family breakdown, financial hardship, and tenancy issues, offering solutions to prevent homelessness and enable sustainable housing.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact, working within a fast-paced, customer-focused environment while engaging with landlords, support services, and local agencies to secure positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
·Provide specialist housing advice to prevent homelessness, covering security of tenure, housing benefits, private rental options, and alternative accommodation solutions.
·Conduct home visits to assess housing situations, negotiate with landlords, and mediate disputes with family or friends to prevent evictions.
·Manage a caseload of individuals and families at risk of homelessness, ensuring timely and effective intervention.
·Liaise with landlords and letting agents to resolve tenancy issues, negotiate rent arrears repayment plans, and support applications for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) and Homelessness Prevention Loans.
·Work within Section 195 of the Housing Act 1996, ensuring that all duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act are fulfilled.
·Complete affordability assessments, ensuring tenants maximise benefit entitlements and can sustain their housing.
·Refer clients to specialist services, including mental health teams, domestic abuse support, substance misuse services, and social care.
·Attend external meetings, including MARAC and child protection meetings, acting as a housing representative.
·Ensure accurate record-keeping and case management, meeting all performance targets and legal requirements.

About You
·Strong background in homelessness prevention, housing advice, or tenancy sustainment.
·Knowledge of housing law, Homelessness Reduction Act, welfare benefits, and private sector housing options.
·Experience in mediation, advocacy, and negotiation with landlords, tenants, and external agencies.
·Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and work within statutory guidelines and local authority procedures.
·Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with a customer-focused approach.
·Ability to assess risk, manage crisis situations, and develop tailored housing solutions.
·Strong partnership working skills, engaging with social services, legal teams, and support networks.
·Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
·Understanding of safeguarding practices for vulnerable individuals.
·Knowledge of welfare benefits and financial support schemes.
·Experience using housing management systems and case recording tools.
 
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on 02393 876065.
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us