Job Title: Homelessness Prevention Officer

Location of work: Town Hall, Reigate & Hybrid working

Salary: £26,223 - £33,924

Basis: Permanent, Full time

About the Role

In this fast paced and exciting role, you will be supported to make a difference for our residents at risk of homelessness and in housing need. This post is one of five Homeless Prevention Officers that work closely with four Homeless Prevention & Relief Officers within our very successful Housing Team. Prevention Officers are on the frontline in proactively working with households facing homelessness to sustain their accommodation where possible or assist with securing alternative accommodation.

You will be responsible for managing your own caseload and providing excellent customer service to our residents. You will support our most vulnerable residents at a time of crisis, working with and empowering them to resolve their threat of homelessness.

You will be working with a friendly, supportive, positive and diverse housing team.  We will provide you with a wealth of training opportunities. At Reigate & Banstead we work in partnership with professionals where we aim to prevent homelessness at the earliest opportunity.

The work is fast paced and no two days are the same. We are proud to be an innovative and forward-thinking team who constantly strive to develop best practice to support our residents.

About the Person

You must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be an outstanding team player and be able to work on your own initiative. A commitment to providing high standards of customer service, with the skill and discipline to deliver this across a varied workload and to work to deadlines are essential.

We are looking for a positive, supportive, flexible and innovative person that can engage well with households experiencing housing need. You will be a colleague with an outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in supporting our most vulnerable residents.

You will work within the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) up to the end of the ‘Prevention’ stage of the Homelessness Reduction Act. You will provide comprehensive housing advice to households with a range of circumstances. You will interview clients, assess their circumstances, decide what statutory duties may be owed, and identify their housing options. You will work collaboratively with other partners including housing associations, domestic abuse support services, private landlords, police, social services, substance treatment agencies and other relevant statutory and non statutory stakeholders.

Ideally applicants will be familiar with relevant legislation, the benefits system and have experience of working in a role providing housing advice and/or tenancy support.

Staff Benefits

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm, we will offer support in continuing your personal and career development, in addition to providing a wide range of employment linked benefits.

We will provide you with:

• Competitive annual leave
• An inclusive and social working environment
• Staff wellbeing activities such as Yoga, football and cinema discounts
• Staff Network Groups
• Hybrid working
• Training and career development
• Modern offices in Reigate town centre
• Contribution of 15% towards the LGPS pension scheme
• Access to a reduced annual ‘Better’ leisure centre membership
• Discounts for local and high street stores
• A cycle lease scheme through salary sacrifice
• Childcare vouchers through salary sacrifice
• Flexible working

Additional Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please call Chris Malone, Housing Register & Homeless Prevention Team Leader on 01737 276000 or email chris.malone@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

We are proud to support the guaranteed interview schemes for those meeting the essential criteria for the role, under the Disability Confident employer scheme for disabled candidates, and the ‘Veteran’s scheme’ for ex-armed forces candidates. 

Closing date: 27 September 2023

Interview dates: 9 and 11 October 2023  

Values and Behaviours

Our great working environment and the values and behaviours of every individual and team in the Council, help to evolve the culture of our organisation to become more commercial, innovative and embracing of change. Successful applicants to our career opportunities will be able to demonstrate they share the values and behaviours we seek in our organisation.

See 'Who we are' as a council, to find out more about us.

http://www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/info/20044/your_council/915/working_here