Housing Advisor (Temporary Accommodation - Domestic Abuse)

As a Housing Adviser (Temporary Accommodation) you will be working within the statutory homeless services Domestic Abuse team playing a vital role in supporting people at risk of or who are experiencing domestic abuse. As part of this role you will be responsible for supporting victims of domestic abuse in navigating the options available to them to secure safe and sustainable housing. Within this role you will be playing a crucial role within a highly motivated and busy team and will be responsible for conducting homeless applications in line with the relevant legislations, attending multi-agency risk assessment conferences and supporting individuals who are at risk of experiencing domestic abuse. This role will require a high level of communication skills and the ability to adapt your tone to a range of scenarios. You will be required to conduct enquiries and applications in person, over the telephone and via email. You will be responsible for your own caseload and complete assessments, referrals for support, refuge and safety measures as required by an applicant. Training will be provided through an induction period however an awareness of domestic abuse and the relevant legislation is preferred., Job Purpose: The post holder will take lead responsibility for managing a portfolio of approximately 150 emergency access and other supported housing units commissioned by the Council as temporary accommodation for homeless people. The post holder will be responsible for the timely and appropriate move-on from these units, taking lead responsibility for all aspects of the re-housing process, to ensure that homeless people can be re-housed as swiftly as possible, placements are minimised and the cost to the Council of temporary accommodation placements is closely controlled. The post holder will also be responsible for liaising with commissioned services to determine the suitability of referrals to the temporary accommodation units. In addition to the above, the post holder will also undertake the standard Housing Advisor functions including offering housing advice to prevent or relieve homelessness and carrying out assessments of housing need/duty in accordance with the statutory framework. The post holder will be based with the Leeds Housing Options Service.,

• · Take lead responsibility for case managing a portfolio of approximately 150 emergency and temporary accommodation units commissioned by the Council
• · Take lead responsibility for delivering swift move on from the commissioned temporary accommodation including all aspects of the re-housing process
• · Lead on the day to day contact with the commissioned temporary accommodation service providers
• · Be responsible for providing regular updates to service management on placements made, move-ons achieved and total number of placements
• · Deliver a face to face housing options service, in accordance with Part VII of the 1996
• · Housing Act (as amended) to people who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or in some of housing need, at a variety of locations including the Leeds Housing Options Service at Merrion House.
• · Deliver a telephone based, or using other mediums such as email, housing options service
• · Take responsibility for caseload of homeless and housing need cases
• · Carry out homeless and other additional need assessments in accordance with Part VI and Part VII of the 1996 Housing Act (as amended)
• · Write homeless decision letters in accordance with the legal framework
• · Liaise with supported housing and other temporary accommodation providers to secure suitable temporary accommodation for people owed such a housing duty
• · Help people to secure private rented options through the Private Sector Lettings scheme and through other routes such as requesting a Homeless Prevention Fund payment
• · Help people to access mediation services as required
• · Help young people to access youth mediation services as required
• · Help people to access Sanctuary scheme funding as required
• · Help deliver a mortgage and tenancy advice service as required
• · Prepare Homeless Prevention Fund applications as required
• · Assist service managers in the quality assurance of service delivery by providing case work information held in case files or IT systems, decision letters and financial payments
• · Help develop partnering arrangements between the Leeds Housing Options Service and other public, private and third sector organisations
• · Work flexibly to help deliver an effective Housing Options Service
• · Attend meetings and forums as required relating to the delivery of the Housing Options Service
• · Undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the responsibilities and grade of the post
• · Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• · Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• · Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
• · Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• · Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• · Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• · Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and Equality & Diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• · Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• · The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
• · The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  As a Housing Adviser you will bring to the role:
• An excellent standard of customer service and ability to engage and adapt to vulnerable applicants who approach our service.
• An awareness of domestic abuse and interest and passion to support people who are at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse.
• The ability to work in conjunction with a range of professionals and partnerships.
• High motivation to work in a busy environment as part of a team.
• Ability to manage your own time efficiently and be responsible for managing your own case load., · Demonstrate evidence of problem solving, analytical and social skills required to provide a housing options service to vulnerable people
• · Demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
• · Ability to use a range of ICT applications including Word and email and to be able to word process reports
• · Ability to extract and analyse information sourced from different ICT systems
• · Ability to work as part of a team
• · Ability to work in partnership with a range of public, private and third sector organisations
• · Ability to identify support needs
• · Ability to identify safeguarding concerns and escalate them appropriately
• · Ability to deal with people who are displaying challenging behaviour
• · Ability to take lead responsibility for managing a portfolio of approximately 150 temporary accommodation units
Knowledge Required
• · Awareness of housing options law and policy
• · Awareness of the needs of homeless people and others in housing need
• · Awareness of services in Leeds for homeless people and others in housing need
• · Knowledge and understanding of Equal Opportunities law and policy
• · Awareness of safeguarding policy and practice
• Experience Required
• · Experience of working in a busy team environment
• · Experience of working in a multi-agency partnership environment
• · Experience of writing and reports
• · Experience of working with homeless and other people in housing need
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
• · Commitment to working with homeless and other people in housing need
• · Commitment to adhere to the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy
• · Willingness to adhere and take personal responsibility under theCouncil's Health and Safety Policies
• · Willingness to engage in training
  
  Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
  
  a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further