Jobs in London - Homeless Prevention Visiting Officer • South East London

Company: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

South East London

2 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary:• The Homeless Prevention Visiting Officer (SO2) plays a vital role in preventing homelessness across Lambeth by delivering proactive, customer-focused housing advice and casework support.• The postholder undertakes home visits, completes housing needs assessments, develops Personal Housing Plans, and uses negotiation, mediation, and advocacy to help households remain in their existing accommodation or secure suitable alternatives.• This role involves managing a high-volume caseload in a fast-paced environment, ensuring compliance with homelessness legislation, and providing a high-quality service to vulnerable residents.Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):• Provide front-line housing advice, triage and support to residents at risk of homelessness, both face-to-face and via telephone.• Conduct regular home visits to fully understand housing circumstances and explore tailored prevention solutions.• Complete detailed housing needs assessments and develop Personal Housing Plans in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act.• Manage a mixed caseload of priority and non-priority clients, maintaining accurate records and meeting performance targets.• Negotiate with landlords, family/friends and other stakeholders to prevent evictions and sustain existing accommodation.• Support clients to access private rented accommodation, social housing and other housing options.• Assess temporary accommodation requirements and coordinate placements when necessary.• Provide advice on welfare reform, income maximisation and access to support services.• Investigate homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and prepare recommendations for managerial approval.• Work collaboratively with internal teams, external partners and support services to deliver effective solutions.• Uphold Lambeth’s values, ensuring equity, kindness, accountability and ambition in all service delivery.Skills/Experience:• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing options, allocations and housing management practices.• Understanding of the housing and support needs of homeless applicants and vulnerable households.• Proven experience working with diverse and vulnerable clients in housing or homelessness settings.• Skilled in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.• Ability to manage a high-pressure workload, balancing casework, appointments and telephone enquiries.• Experience producing high-quality written assessments, letters and reports.• Confident using multiple IT systems for case management, data recording and reporting.• Ability to deliver excellent customer service, including handling complaints and complex enquiries.• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment and meeting performance targets.• Strong interpersonal skills with empathy, resilience and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.Additional Information:• The closing date: 21/11/2025 @17:00.• 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00.• Based at Lambeth Civic Centre (with home visits required).