Housing Advisor

Role: Housing Advisor

Location: Portadown

Temporary

Hours of work:

• 37 hours per week
• Monday - Friday

In Return:

• £16.37 Per hour

The Role:

• Assess a customer's circumstances by conducting interviews in a manner suitable for each customer.
• Undertake visits to customers in their homes or temporary accommodation.
• Conduct enquiries, collecting and recording information to understand customer's need. Explore relevant issues with the customer that may impact on their readiness to sustain a tenancy (e.g. affordability, practical arrangements such as availability or moving of furniture, or support needs).
• Undertake comprehensive investigations and make robust legal decisions and fulfil statutory duties under the Housing Order (NI) 1988 (as amended). Where appropriate, complete a full homelessness investigation.
• Maintain appropriate and proportionate records of decisions and actions. Inform customers of decisions.
• Arrange emergency accommodation, ensuring that any temporary accommodation and other support, that may be required under a full homelessness duty is provided.
• Effectively manage a caseload ensuring that cases are prioritised to reduce the necessity for temporary accommodation admissions and limit the time customers spend in temporary accommodation.
• Contribute to organisational understanding of housing supply as required.
• Take a case management approach to customer's need, keeping and maintaining detailed and accurate records of decisions and actions taken in each case.
• Make specific recommendations on suitability and affordability of housing solutions based on understanding of customer's need.
• Actively seek alternative accommodation in both private and public sectors, as appropriate, based on an understanding of the housing and support needs of the customer. This will include the day to day management, co-ordination and matching of applicants in housing need to suitable accommodation options. Ensure that clients are kept appraised of the progress of their case.
• Effectively manage a caseload ensuring that cases are prioritised to reduce the risk of homelessness or crisis.
• Provide comprehensive housing assistance on matters such as eligibility, homelessness, security of tenure, public and private sector tenancies, housing and welfare benefits, income maximisation, affordability, arrears, harassment, unlawful eviction, home ownership, housing support, and other necessary areas of advice with the aim of preventing homelessness and sustaining tenancies.
• Work closely with internal colleagues, stakeholders and agencies to prevent homelessness when possible, drawing on resources and working in partnership rather than directing customers towards other agencies.
• When applicable, carry out a housing assessment under the Housing Selection Scheme.
• Actively seek ways to ensure customers are tenancy ready, when appropriate, through engagement with other agencies, landlords etc. and liaise with Lettings Managers, Patch Managers and others as required. Follow safeguarding procedures and policies to ensure vulnerable children and adults with housing difficulties receive the right services at the right time including attendance at case conferences when required.
• Work with external agencies and stakeholders, including social services, health and social care professionals and floating support, to help customers get "tenancy ready".
• Provide any ongoing housing advice and assistance that may be required (in line with job purpose).
• To provide a high level of internal and external customer service including taking ownership of customer queries and complaints and following issues through to completion, while ensuring timely escalation to the Team Leader, when required.
• To ensure continued and effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, and the wider Housing team.
• To represent the Housing Team as required and provide support and cover for the other project team members as and when required.
• To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of NIHE.
• To comply with all NIHE frameworks, policies and procedures, including but not limited to those relating to legal requirements such as equality, health and safety and information governance.
• To direct and signpost managers and officers to the appropriate source for issues outside the remit of this post. To manage performance measures in order to understand and improve the business.
• To record all outcomes ensuring they are Proportionate, Legal, Auditable & Necessary.
• To draft responses to letters and complaints on behalf of the Business Area Manager pertaining to their caseload.
• Undertake any duties deemed appropriate to the achievement of the purpose and function of the post in order to meet organisational need

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• 1 year Relevant experience
• Full driving license with access to own car.
• Basic Access NI

About Staffline:
At Staffline Recruitment Ireland, we bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. As the leading recruitment agency and an equal opportunities employer, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We excel in understanding the specific needs of our clients and candidates, providing tailored, efficient staffing solutions across various sectors. Committed to excellence and driven by a passion for growth, we offer a spectrum of opportunities. Partner with us for a seamless recruitment journey and advance your career with Staffline.

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