Housing Options Officer - Hackney

Housing Options Officer

Location: Hackney

Posts Available: 2
Reports to: Service Manager
Responsible for: Case load of 22

Pay: £13.72+holiday pay = £15.38 per hour or £18.00 via umbrella agency
Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 10:00 - 18:00 or 12:00 - 20:00

Assignment Length: 13 weeks on temporary contract, then permanent role starts

To apply for this role, you must be available to take the permanent contract on. Any candidates who are only interested in temporary roles will not be considered, but we do have plenty of other posts available!

Permanent Contract Information:
Annual Leave: 33 days per annum (inclusive of public holidays when permanent contract starts)
Other Benefits: Pension scheme, interest-free season ticket loan, and a free confidential telephone counselling service

Salary: £27,986 per annum

Job Context:

Working within a well-established charity, providing essential services for vulnerable individuals in an 87 bed hostel setting. Their mission is to empower young people by offering them the resources, skills, and opportunities to create a brighter future. At the heart of their work is the provision of accommodation and holistic support services to young people aged 16 to 35 who are facing homelessness.

The housing project operates 24/7, offering temporary accommodation for single young people facing a range of challenges, including issues related to mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence, and previous offending. Working in close collaboration with external agencies to provide a comprehensive support system that addresses not only housing needs but also the broader, holistic needs of our residents.

Job Purpose:

The Housing Options Officer will provide direct support to vulnerable young people, assisting them in moving toward independent living. This involves offering high-quality advice and guidance on housing options, benefits, budgeting, and life skills, all within a psychologically informed environment. The role requires collaboration with various external agencies to ensure that the diverse needs of the residents are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Housing Needs:

• Conduct interviews, assessments, and move-ins for potential residents in a timely manner, ensuring thorough inductions for new residents.
• Develop outcome-focused support plans and conduct needs and risk assessments.
• Provide benefit advice and guidance to residents, helping them maintain their accommodation and prevent rent arrears.
• Work closely with external agencies to address the wider needs of the residents, including Floating Support, Housing Services, and more.
• Ensure incidents and complaints are reported and managed in accordance with organizational policies.
• Actively source and manage move-on opportunities for residents, coordinating with housing providers as necessary.

Support Needs:

• Provide a welcoming environment for new residents, supporting them with life skills, social behaviour management, and access to other services.
• Manage financial aspects, including budgeting and benefit claims, and collaborate with the Income team to address any rent arrears.
• Address any anti-social behaviour issues and take appropriate action in accordance with policies.

Health and Safety:

• Support residents in understanding and adhering to health and safety policies, including security and safeguarding procedures.
• Ensure all incidents related to safety and security are appropriately managed and reported.

General:

• Serve as a shift lead when required, managing daily tasks and resident movements, and handling emergencies such as fire alarms.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with external agencies to benefit the support needs of the residents.

Income Maximisation:

• Work proactively with residents to minimize rent arrears and manage rental income, ensuring that all targets are met in line with organizational policies.

Regulatory Standards and Compliance:

• Ensure all residents can influence service delivery and comply with regulatory standards.

Data Protection:

• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of residents' personal data, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations.

Other:

• Provide cover at other locations as needed for holiday or sickness within the housing department.
• Stay up to date with current housing legislation and welfare benefits.
• Attend training and development activities, including occasional overnight stays.

Competency:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate reliability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Commitment to working flexibly when needed and a passion for supporting vulnerable young people is essential.

If you are a highly motivated individual with a real passion and desire to support young people facing homelessness, this could be the opportunity for you! Apply Now!

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment Business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to temporary vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer, job suitability are assessed on merit in accordance with their skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.