Refugee Homelessness Prevention Officer
Salary: £33,945 - £37,366 Per Annum - (Pay award pending)
Location: Shute End/Home Working
Contract: Contract
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 14/10/2024 at 23:00
Reference: 713015
Refugee Homelessness Prevention Officer
18 Months Fixed Term Contract
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to providing crucial support and housing assistance to vulnerable populations within our community. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are focussed on preventing homelessness among refugees who face unique challenges. We are currently seeking an experienced and dedicated candidate to take on the role of Refugee Homelessness Prevention Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of refugees by ensuring they receive the housing support and advise they need.
Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.
The Role
As the Refugee Homelessness Prevention Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering comprehensive housing advice and assistance to refugees who are homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Providing timely and detailed housing advice and assistance to refugees presenting as homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
- Conducting thorough assessments of households at risk of homelessness and implementing practical measures to prevent and relieve homelessness.
- Investigating statutory duties owed to refugees, issuing relevant notification decisions under Section 184 of the Housing Act.
- Delivering detailed personalised housing plans for eligible applicants, taking into account their specific circumstances and needs.
- Conducting financial assessments to determine affordability and identify barriers to securing housing for refugees with complex needs.
- Supporting refugees in accessing private rented sector housing
- Acting as the eligibility expert within the service, providing guidance and support to colleagues as needed.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate individual who is committed to supporting refugees and preventing homelessness. The ideal candidate will have:
- A strong background in homelessness prevention and housing services, with specific experience working with refugee populations.
- In-depth knowledge of the Housing Act, particularly section 184, and other relevant legislation.
- Experience in conducting thorough housing assessments and developing personalised housing plans.
- The ability to manage complex cases, particularly those involving eligibility or immigration complications.
- A proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential barriers to housing for refugees.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to join an excellent and dynamic team.
For an Informal discussion, please contact: David Higgins, Housing Needs and Options Team Manager at david.higgins@wokingham.gov.uk
Closing date of applications: 14th October 2024, 11pm
Interview date: TBC
Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.
Please note, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, as this advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.
Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.