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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.