OR112518 – Housing Advisor – Housing

Client: Swale and Maidstone Borough Council

Location: Trinity House, 20 Church St, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LY, United Kingdom

PAYE Pay Rate: £13.45 per hour

Work Pattern: Three days at Trinity and two days remote, 37 Hours weekly

Main Purpose

To provide housing advice and support to people experiencing housing difficulties, assess homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), and manage cases through the homelessness journey to a clear and lawful outcome.

Typical Day Overview

• Assess homelessness applications and make appropriate decisions.
• Provide advice on housing options and homelessness prevention.
• Manage a caseload of applicants in Temporary Accommodation.
• Progress cases under the relief duty and identify suitable housing solutions.
• Make decisions on main housing duty, not in priority need or intentional homelessness.
• Work closely with colleagues and partner agencies, particularly in domestic abuse cases.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure statutory timescales are met.

Key Skills & Responsibilities

• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Experience managing a homelessness caseload from assessment through to decision.
• Understanding of Temporary Accommodation and housing options.
• Ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong communication, interviewing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and statutory deadlines.
• Understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on homelessness.
• Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable households.
• Strong partnership working and case management skills.
• Accurate record keeping and report writing.

Essential Qualifications / Experience

• Relevant experience in homelessness, housing options or local authority housing services.
• Sound working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and homelessness duties.
• Experience managing a caseload and making homelessness decisions.
• Understanding of domestic abuse and safeguarding.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant housing qualification such as CIH Level 3/4, or equivalent practical experience.Housing Advisor – Housing