Homelessness Prevention & Housing Options Officer x5

Location: Romford
 Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in the office
 Hours: 36 hours per week Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
 Pay Rate: £22.41 per hour PAYE (inclusive of holiday pay, £30.00 per hour Umbrella
 Contract: Temporary

Job Summary

Successful candidates will manage complex homelessness caseloads, undertake detailed investigations, make legally compliant statutory decisions and work closely with residents, private landlords, letting agents and housing providers. The post holders will play a key role in preventing homelessness, reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory housing responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage homelessness applications from initial assessment through to statutory decision-making, prevention, relief and the discharge or cessation of homelessness duties.
• Conduct homelessness assessments and make legally robust Section 184 decisions in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and case law.
• Investigate complex cases, assess evidence and determine whether statutory homelessness duties can lawfully be discharged or brought to an end.
• Prepare statutory notifications, decision letters, case records and supporting documentation that meet legal requirements.
• Ensure decisions are defensible during Section 202 reviews, County Court appeals, complaints, Ombudsman investigations and Judicial Review proceedings.
• Manage homelessness prevention and tenancy sustainment cases, negotiating with landlords and other housing providers to prevent eviction and homelessness.
• Administer the Council’s Rent Deposit Scheme, including assessing applications, coordinating payments and ensuring the necessary documentation and audit checks are completed.
• Source and secure suitable private rented accommodation for homeless households and residents threatened with homelessness.
• Build effective relationships with private landlords, letting agents, accommodation providers and internal Council teams to maximise housing opportunities.
• Provide specialist advice to residents regarding housing options, welfare benefits, affordability, tenancy rights and landlord responsibilities.
• Prepare case files, evidence bundles and reports for statutory reviews, appeals, complaints and legal proceedings.
• Work collaboratively with relevant agencies to support vulnerable households, promote sustainable housing outcomes and reduce the use of temporary accommodation.

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience in homelessness, housing options, tenancy sustainment or housing needs services.
• Proven experience managing complex homelessness caseloads and frontline housing applications.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, including Parts VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance.
• Experience making statutory housing decisions, including Section 184 decisions, and preparing legally compliant written notifications.
• Experience managing homelessness duty discharge, cessation and main duty cases.
• Knowledge of private rented sector solutions, rent deposit schemes and housing procurement processes.
• Experience working with private landlords, letting agents, housing providers and vulnerable households.
• Understanding of tenancy law, welfare benefits, housing affordability, safeguarding and landlord and tenant responsibilities.
• Strong investigation, negotiation, written communication and case management skills.
• The ability to interpret legislation, assess complex evidence and make fair, consistent and legally defensible decisions.

Desirable Experience

• Experience administering rent deposit or landlord incentive schemes.
• Knowledge of unlawful eviction, landlord harassment and tenancy enforcement procedures.
• Experience preparing evidence for statutory reviews, court appeals, complaints and legal proceedings.
• Experience negotiating suitable accommodation solutions to prevent eviction and homelessness.
• Knowledge of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and its implications for private rented sector housing.

Additional Information

These are hybrid roles requiring attendance at the office approximately 2–3 days per week. Candidates must be confident managing complex cases independently while working collaboratively with colleagues, landlords and partner agencies to deliver a responsive, legally compliant and resident-focused housing service.