Middlesbrough Council has a temporary position for Housing Solutions Officer. This post holder will carry out homelessness assessments in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in relation to supporting service users and their children, and make all necessary statutory decisions throughout the application process, assess the needs of the service user and formulate a personal housing plan. It will provide comprehensive information, advice and guidance to service users and landlords with the aim of preventing homelessness where possible and helping to source alternative accommodation when prevention is not possible. The post holder will be responsible for arranging temporary accommodation, making referrals to supported accommodation services and assisting service users to obtain accommodation in the private and social sectors where necessary. The post holder will also be responsible for working with the Council's commissioned safe accommodation services or, where not available or appropriate, secure safe accommodation out of area.

Candidate Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS/ TRAINING

Good standard of education to a Level 2 or equivalent relevant qualification.

Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Vocational Qualification in relation to area of business
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Proven experience of working with complex service users in a multi-agency setting and ability to work collaboratively with partners
Proven experience of working with people with domestic abuse, housing, and homelessness

Knowledge of the legislative, guidance and policy framework for Homelessness

Willingness to train and develop knowledge in line with changing legislation, guidance, case law and good practice.

Knowledge of the legislative, guidance and policy framework for other areas of the ACT integrated model.

Understanding of challenges faced by service users with complex support issues and a willingness to work creatively to meet individual needs.

Knowledge and experience of delivering creative and effective evidence based interventions to improve service user outcomes

Experience of working with service users in a trauma informed way, applying trauma informed principles.

Experience of using / inputting on to information and case load management systems
Ability to demonstrate a range of communication skills, including written and verbal communication.

Effective time management and organisational skills and the ability to be responsive changing service demands, whilst managing a caseload.
Knowledge of safeguarding adult and children procedures