Housing Solutions Advisor

Hours: 30.00

Contract: Fixed Term unil 31/08/2022

Salary: £17,633 - £20,660 per annum

Closing: 16/08/2021

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Herefordshire Councils, Housing Solutions and Home Point Team. Home Point manages the housing waiting list for Herefordshire Council on behalf of the local Registered Providers, to provide social housing for local people. Housing Solutions offer housing advice and assistance to those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or in housing need.

The successful applicant will be working as part of a multi-functional team, receiving enquiries by correspondence, face to face, telephone and digital communication, taking appropriate action to provide an efficient and effective service for applicants, seeking to maximize resolution of enquiries at first point of contact and assistance with housing need enquires.

The role involves determining eligibility to register on the councils waiting list for housing, advising and assisting with the completion of online applications, inspection of the relevant documentation required for processing, enabling the completion of housing register applications for applicants to bid for available social housing. This will involve assessment of clients’ confidential information in line with national legislation and local policies and the provision of accurate data for monitoring and reporting of statistical data as required by government bodies.

When fully trained you will be responsible for interviewing and advising clients at risk of homelessness or in housing need, so that wherever possible homelessness is prevented. You will need to have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to understand the needs of clients with a professional and non-judgemental attitude and be customer focused with strong communication skills with the ability to give advice and answer queries relating to housing and homelessness.

You should have experience of working in a busy and pressurised environment. A minimum of 2 years housing experience is preferable however, transferable skills will be considered. Knowledge of the relevant homelessness legislation is essential and experience of partnership working would be desirable. A full DBS check will be required which will be provided by Herefordshire Council.

You will need to have a flexible approach to working in an environment where priorities can change and challenges must be met, while maintaining the high standards set by the team.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, you will be expected to attend the office at Blue School House on a rota basis and will share the rest of your time working from home whilst being supported, remotely by your line manager.

Blueschool house is a Covid secure environment and PPE is readily available as necessary. Any essential equipment will be provided to enable you to work remotely as and when required.

We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered.

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:

• Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme;

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; and

• Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.

Benefits with Herefordshire Council Holidays: 25 days per year plus 2 days unpaid at Christmas (pro rata for part time) Pension: LGS pension scheme Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.

We also offer an employee assistance programme that means you will have access to confidential support and advice if you ever need it.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role. To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement, referring to the job description and person specification, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you would like to obtain details regarding feedback on your application please contact Hoople Resourcing at: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk