housing Choice Applications Officer

​Participates in the delivery of a comprehensive housing options advice service aimed at
assisting members of the public in finding appropriate housing solutions, providing information in
a variety of formats on a broad range of alternatives from house purchase, low cost home
ownership, council, Registered Provider and private renting. Will be required to interview
members of the public both at the council’s Customer Access Centre, at home and other
locations such as hospitals when required.
Signposts the availability of other services of benefit to households in housing need and carries
out referrals where appropriate. May also be required to participate in the joint assessment of
need/risk associated with housing and special needs.
Identifies members of the public in acute and urgent housing need, making referrals to the
Allocations Team Leader for further investigation with regard to the award of special case status
on the council’s Housing Waiting List in accordance with the approved allocations policy.
Is required to make all reasonable efforts to prevent homelessness, which will include
negotiations with family/friends and/or housing providers, comprehensive welfare benefits
information, detailed debt advice, negotiations with creditors/financial institutions and referrals to
mortgage rescue schemes. May be required to attend County Court Possession Hearings to act
as an advocate for homeless households. Makes recommendations to the Senior Housing
Options Officer for payments under the council’s Homelessness Prevention Fund,
Repossessions Loan Fund and DHP Deposit Scheme in accordance with approved policy and
procedure.
May be required to attend outreach housing surgeries at other locations throughout the district
as and when necessary. May also be required to represent the Housing Needs Section at
meetings, working groups etc.
Determines the extent of the council’s statutory duties to homeless households in accordance
with legislation, (ensuring Prevention, Relief and Main Duty decisions are completed within the
provided timescale) Case Law and approved policy and procedure.
Will be required to carry out detailed investigations and to manage a caseload of homeless
applications, compiling detailed case reports recommending a final decision for approval by the
Senior Housing Options Officer. Ensures that final notification of the council’s decision is given
to homeless applicants in accordance with statutory requirements.
Is required to ensure that all administrative records, documentation and computerised records
are updated promptly in accordance with procedures.
Liaising with Children’s Social Care, participates in the joint assessment of need/risk of young
people threatened with homelessness/leaving care, in accordance with agreed protocols under
the Young Peoples’ Pathway (The Hub).
Takes part in an out of hours standby rota responding to homelessness emergencies
throughout the district.
Liaises with the council’s out of hours Emergency Team Service/Security Company/CCTV
Control Room/Wellbeing Call Centre to ensure that any incidents within temporary
accommodation are dealt with as a matter of urgency and that nuisance and disruption for other
households and members of the public is minimised.
Responds to referrals from the council’s out of hours Emergency Team Service, making an
initial assessment of the council’s duty to homeless households, providing advice and
assistance and where appropriate, carrying out emergency admissions to temporary
accommodation.
In the absence of the Senior Housing Options Officer, liaises with the Temporary
Accommodation Officers to co-ordinate the placement of homeless households into and
between the range of temporary accommodation available, often without advance notice, to
comply with statutory duties and to minimise the use of Bed & Breakfast. Ensures that all
relevant records are updated promptly.
Liaises with the Temporary Accommodation Officers to ensure the effective management of the
full range of temporary accommodation available and will be involved in the co-ordination of risk
assessments and housing related support plans for homeless households in temporary
accommodation
Provision of ‘Buddy’ support to new starters providing assistance on systems, legislation and
procedures