Job Description

We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Redbridge to assist with the appointment of a Housing Solutions Officer, on a 3-month contract, likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.

Rate of Pay: £22.27 - £29.38 per hour

The Housing Solutions Officer plays a key frontline role in preventing and relieving homelessness by providing high-quality housing advice, assessments, and interventions. Working with vulnerable customers, the post holder will assess housing needs, develop and deliver Personalised Housing Plans, and use proactive, solution-focused approaches to secure sustainable housing outcomes. The role operates within statutory frameworks including the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, while contributing to reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and associated costs.

Responsibilities:

• Prevent and relieve homelessness by assessing housing need and delivering tailored housing advice and interventions.
• Conduct housing options interviews and homelessness assessments in line with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII) and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review Personalised Housing Plans with customers.
• Investigate homeless applications, gather evidence, and make lawful, timely decisions.
• Negotiate with landlords, accommodation providers, and households to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Provide advice on a full range of housing options including social housing, private renting, supported housing, and resettlement options.
• Prepare and issue statutory decision letters (including Section 184 decisions).
• Request and manage temporary accommodation placements where required.

Qualifications:

• No mandatory statutory qualification required.
• Educated to Level 4 or equivalent (e.g. NVQ Level 4, HND, BTEC Professional), or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Ongoing commitment to professional development and relevant training.

Essential Requirements:

• Strong working knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, including the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related guidance.
• Experience providing housing advice or customer-focused casework in a frontline environment.
• Ability to assess complex housing circumstances and vulnerability, including links to the Care Act and Children Act.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal information clearly and sensitively.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and problem-solve to achieve positive housing outcomes.
• Experience working with vulnerable customers and managing challenging or confrontational situations.
• Ability to manage a caseload independently, prioritise work, and meet statutory deadlines.

Please note:

• You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
• You should have right to work in U.K
• This role requires a Basic DBS

Disclaimer: Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.

Important: We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. Your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.

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