Housing Adviser

(Homelessness & Housing Options) London| Hybrid – 3 days on site | 4 months (potential extension)

Make an immediate impact on residents facing homelessness. A leading local authority is seeking an experienced Housing Adviser on a 4-month temporary basis to assess and determine statutory homelessness applications, deliver person-centred housing options work, and help prevent and relieve homelessness across the borough.

The role

You will act as a first point of contact for residents seeking housing assistance (in person, by phone, email, and post) and manage a caseload of complex cases from initial enquiry through to decision, referral, and placement. Working with minimal supervision, you will apply the Housing Act 1996 (Part 7) , Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 , the Homelessness Code of Guidance , and relevant case law to make lawful, timely, and well-reasoned decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting full housing options interviews and detailed enquiries; verifying documents and carrying out visits as needed.
• Creating and updating Personal Housing Plans and maximising prevention opportunities to help people remain in or source suitable accommodation.
• Assessing and determining homelessness applications , including issuing statutory notifications and decisions correctly and on time.
• Carrying out affordability assessments and advising on suitable, affordable accommodation options.
• Recommending temporary accommodation placements where prevention is exhausted, in line with statutory duties and council constraints.
• Assessing applications to join the housing register , verifying evidence, and determining priority under the council’s allocation scheme.
• Working with internal teams and external partners (social care, health, police, voluntary sector) via referrals, meetings, and case conferences.
• Undertaking risk and safeguarding assessments for children and vulnerable adults; escalating concerns appropriately.
• Supporting statutory reviews , legal challenges, and court attendance where required; instructing Legal Services and consulting Counsel.
• Maintaining accurate case records, file notes, and database entries; responding to complaints and Members’ Enquiries.
• Contributing to service performance targets and continuous improvement; deputising for the Team Leader when needed.

About you

We recruit for attitude as much as experience. You will bring strong complex problem-solving , critical thinking , and judgement , with the ability to work independently through ambiguity and make evidence-based decisions. You are calm under pressure, highly organised, and committed to outstanding customer service.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Sound knowledge of Part 7 homelessness law , the Homelessness Code , and associated case law (or the ability to quickly get up to speed).
• Experience conducting housing options interviews , assessments, and decision-making in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent written communication for clear, reasoned decision letters and case recording.
• Strong emotional intelligence , empathy, and the ability to build rapport with people in crisis.
• Confidence liaising with multi-agency partners and managing sensitive safeguarding issues.
• High digital literacy; comfortable using council IT systems, databases, and case management tools.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion , and to working in an agile, hybrid team.

Working pattern and location

Hybrid working: 3 days per week on site at offices in London, with flexible working considered. Contract: 4 months temporary, with the possibility of extension based on service need and performance. Full induction, supervision, and access to ongoing training and development.

Benefits

• Competitive local government salary (pro rata) and pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities within a busy, supportive Housing Solutions team.

How to apply

Please apply via this advert with an up-to-date CV with your experience with Part 7 homelessness work , housing options interviews , and statutory decision-making . The Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.