Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer
Lewisham
3 Months Initial Contract
37 hours per week
Summary:
We are seeking a Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer for the London Borough of Lewisham. This role involves providing high-quality homeless prevention, support, and advice to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The Role:
The key responsibilities include:
* Providing comprehensive homeless prevention, support, and advice services.
* Assessing customers presenting to the Council to determine owed duties and available housing options.
* Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of Homelessness legislation and case law.
* Developing specialist knowledge and skills for flexible and responsive service delivery.
* Maintaining accurate casework and data records.

Additional tasks and responsibilities:
* Preventing and resolving homelessness through advice and information on housing rights and obligations.
* Promoting and delivering the Council’s homeless prevention agenda.
* Providing advice on the Council’s obligations under housing legislation.
* Investigating homelessness cases and issuing legally robust S184 decision letters.
* Maintaining detailed case notes and reports, updating records, and responding to enquiries.
* Providing advice and practical assistance on security of tenure across all types of tenure.
* Investigating landlord and tenant disputes and intervening as required.
* Providing information about debt counseling and money advice services.
* Negotiating with landlords, banks, and other entities on behalf of customers.
* Assessing vulnerable customers’ support and housing needs.
* Developing and maintaining knowledge of vulnerable single customers’ support needs.
* Referring customers to supported accommodation services and ensuring move-on pathways.
* Liaising with other statutory services for vulnerable customers.

The Candidate:
We are looking for a candidate with:
* Previous experience in a similar role.
* Thorough knowledge of homelessness legislation and duties owed to homeless persons.
* Experience of issuing detailed S184 decision letters.
* Experience working in a demanding front-line service in a housing environment.
* Experience dealing with confrontational situations and providing support to vulnerable client groups.

Additional requirements:
* Experience advocating on behalf of customers.
* Ability to maintain detailed and accurate reports and case notes.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills.
* Ability to work effectively as part of a busy team.
* Ability to manage a caseload independently.

The Contract:
* 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
* Initial 3-month contract with potential to extend or become permanent.

How to Apply:
To apply for this role, please email a copy of your CV to or call . If the role is more suited to someone you know, we offer a £250 referral bonus for every successfully referred candidate!