MMP Consultancy are looking to recruit Housing Solutions Officer to join a fantastic Local Authority based in Kingston on a temporary contract. The purpose of this is to work proactively and collaboratively with households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to provide comprehensive advise and assist them to prevent their homelessness by retaining their current housing where possible, or otherwise to help them to relieve their homelessness by helping them to secure alternative accommodation.This is a temporary position paying 23.58 per hour Umbrella.Duties: Ensure that all aspects of the Housing Solutions Service are delivered effectively in line with legislation and statutory guidance, policies, procedures and protocols. Provide high quality advice and assistance and ensure homelessness is prevented wherever possible by providing effective advice. Ensure that all homelessness investigations are undertaken in accordance with statute, the Code of Guidance, case law, local authority agreements and Council policy. Manage a caseload of applicants who have approached the Council for assistance under the Homelessness Reduction Act, keeping your caseload under review and taking timely action to minimise the time in temporary accommodation and ensuring the Council's duties are met within statutory timescales Participate in the operation of a duty rota system for 'homeless on the day' interviews and to arrange placement of people into interim emergency accommodation where required. Make decisions with respect to homelessness applications and to ensure the efficient referral of cases for longer term temporary accommodation to the Housing Access service where the Council has accepted a duty. Ensure accommodation is provided to qualifying homeless applicants at point of homelessness accessing accommodation suppliers provided through the Housing Supply team. When completing licence agreements with residents to ensure property compliance evidenced by certificates, rent account set-up, and information to residents given around rent and housing benefit. Undertake discharge of duty on applications where identified and to liaise with the Housing Access and Temporary Accommodation Teams to effect eviction where discharge of duty requires. Identify and raise safeguarding alerts and to attend multi-agency meetings regarding applicants' needs refer residents to support services including those to maximise income and employment opportunities and manage debt as applicable. To provide responses to enquiries related to applications under Housing Act 1996 Part Vii from applicants, their advocates and elected representatives. Undertake home visits to verify an applicant's residence and circumstances in undertaking investigations.Skills & Abilities Detailed knowledge of local authority legal obligations under the Housing Act 1996, Part VII, Homelessness Act 2002 the Homelessness, Reduction Act 2017 Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities. Knowledge shall also include related legislation such as those covering child protection, security of tenure, etc. A good knowledge of services, benefits and support available to applicants experiencing housing problems Experience of working people who are homeless or in other stressful situations and from diverse backgrounds and circumstances Excellent interpersonal skills including active listening and negotiating Has the ability to understand and interpret complex case law, and to think creatively about problems and identify solutions Has excellent communication skills including the ability to write detailed case notes and technical letters Ability to work unsupervised, prioritise workloads and achieve targets and deadlines The ability to service and chair meetings with relevant partners and other stakeholders. Title: Housing Solutions OfficerLocation: Kingston - 3 days per weekSalary: 23.58 per hour Umbrella