Homeless Prevention Officer

Help us prevent homelessness before it happens.

We are seeking a proactive, empathetic and highly motivated Homelessness Prevention Officer to support the council’s dispute resolution and early‑intervention project. This vital role focuses on preventing homelessness for individuals and households at risk particularly those in the private rented sector.

You will be responsible for providing tailored, practical support at the earliest opportunity, working with a varied caseload, you will interview customers, assess housing and support needs, and create Personalised Housing Plans. You will work closely with landlords, partner agencies, internal teams and external organisations to resolve issues, to sustain tenancies, along with:

Conducting sensitive, detailed interviews with customers threatened with homelessness.
Providing initial advice via face‑to‑face meetings, telephone, correspondence, advocacy, home visits and outreach.
Supporting customers with debt, budgeting, benefit issues, income maximisation and accessing financial assistance.
Monitoring all open cases to ensure regular contact and meaningful progress.
Advising on the full range of housing options, including private renting, Housing Register applications, mortgage advice, supported accommodation and shared ownership.
Analysing complex legal and financial information, researching legislation and case law to support robust decision‑
Carrying out income and expenditure assessments to determine affordability and homelessness prevention payment eligibility.

To thrive in this role it is essential that you have Level 3 qualification in a housing‑related discipline, or a commitment to undertake the necessary training, and a strong practical understanding of key housing and homelessness legislation (e.g. Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act, Protection from Eviction Act, along with the ability to:

Communicate clearly, confidently and compassionately with customers, adapting your approach to different audiences.
Provide housing advice.
To use a wide range of housing options to prevent homelessness.
Understand of legal processes around possession (e.g. Section 21 notices, court proceedings).

In addition, you will have experience working in a front‑line, customer‑led environment, ideally with vulnerable customers, a full driving licence and access to a car.

We are able to offer you the opportunity to make a measurable impact on homelessness prevention in the borough in a supportive, experienced team with strong multi‑agency links.

Click to view the full Job Description

For and informal discussion about this role please contact Nancy Fraser, Senior Housing Options Officer, on 01233 330821

Hybrid Working – While we fully support hybrid working and recognise the importance of balancing work and home life, this is a customer facing role that requires a strong on site presence. The team works on a rota system to ensure we maintain consistent service levels and have sufficient office cover at all times. Our approach to hybrid working is designed to promote wellbeing, personal development, and effective collaboration, both in the office and at home.

Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community