Job description
On behalf of our Client, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, MPA Recruitment welcomes suitable applications for the role of Housing Advisor in Ballymena
The Housing Advisor’s main responsibility is to assess a customer’s circumstances and needs, working with relevant internal departments and agencies to provide good quality housing solutions and support shaped around customer need.
Key Duties/ Responsibilities
Main duties will comprise the integrated areas of housing advice, assistance, tenancy sustainment, homeless prevention, homeless assistance, and case management. Decisions should be made in accordance with the Housing Executive’s Standing Orders and Board Scheme of Delegations
Assess a customer’s circumstances by conducting interviews in a manner suitable for each customer, undertaking visits to customers in their homes/temporary accommodation, conducting enquiries and collecting information to understand customer’s needs.
Complete a full homelessness investigation.
Arrange emergency accommodation, ensuring that any temporary accommodation that may be required under a full homelessness duty is provided.
Take a case management approach to customer’s need, keeping and maintaining detailed and accurate records of action taken in each case.
Actively seek alternative accommodation in both private and public sectors as appropriate based on an understanding of the housing and support needs of the customer. This will include the day-to-day management, co-ordination and matching of applicants in housing need to suitable accommodation options ensuring that clients are kept appraised of the progress of their case.
Provide comprehensive housing assistance on matters such as eligibility, homelessness, security of tenure, public and private sector tenancies, housing and welfare benefits, income maximisation, arrears, harassment, unlawful eviction, home ownership, housing support, and other necessary areas of advice with the aim of preventing homelessness and sustaining tenancies.
Follow safeguarding procedures and policies to ensure vulnerable children and adults with housing difficulties receive the right services at the right time including attendance at case conferences when required.
Work with external agencies and stakeholders, including social services, health and social care professionals and floating support to help customers get “tenancy ready”
Management of performance measures in order to understand and improve the business.
Drafting responses to letters and complaints on behalf of the Business Area Manager pertaining to their caseload
Housing Advisors will be required to provide cover arrangements within their office and to undertake other relevant duties, as may from time to time be required.
Criteria:
Have a degree [or a qualification of an equivalent academic level] and have a minimum of 1-year relevant experience.
OR
B Tech Higher [or a qualification of an equivalent academic level] and have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
OR
Exceptionally candidates not having the above level of qualification but who have 3 years relevant experience will also be considered.
Essential
Hold a current drivers licence and have access to a car
Basic Access NI
Housing experience
Experience Criteria:
For the purposes of short listing, candidates must demonstrate their relevant experience, for the number of years required depending on their level of qualification, in all of the following areas below:
DECISION-MAKING: Interpreting relevant policy and statutory requirements to make appropriate decisions to meet the needs of customers.
TEAMWORKING: Working as an effective team member to support the achievement of shared outcomes.
CUSTOMER INSIGHT/PROBLEM-SOLVING: Effectively gathering information to gain insight into customer needs and identifying practical solutions.
PARTNERSHIP/PROBLEM-SOLVING: Working with both internal and external stakeholders to find effective housing solutions.
Hours and Pay
37.5 hours per week
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
£14.91
Holiday Fund
Interested? Please Apply!!
Please send an up to date CV to Sonya at sonya.hooper@mparecruitment.co.uk or call on +44 (0)28 254 201 36 to speak further about this opportunity.
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