Housing Solutions Officer (Criminal Justice Specialist) Ref: 08-25

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

Experience or clear knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017

Proven experience of working with and supporting the needs of vulnerable people, specifically those who have been within the criminal justice system.

In depth relevant experience in an advisory or counselling role.

Experience of combining excellent team working with the ability to operate with a minimum amount of supervision

Proven experience of working in a busy customer service focused environment

A working knowledge of:

• Housing allocations and homelessness law
• Landlord and tenant law
• The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
• Public Health Act 1936
• Welfare rights
• Debt counselling

Working knowledge of a wide range of Microsoft Office packages

Experiencing of taking initiative, identifying opportunities and taking an outcome-oriented approach to addressing challenges

Experience of taking decisions in a busy environment

Excellent time management and negotiation skills

Experience of report and letter-writing

Experience of understanding and completing research and investigation

Desirable

Proven experience of working in a  criminal justice setting.

Proven experience of working in a housing advice, homelessness, supported housing, allocations and/or private sector housing

Understanding and experience of using Locata case management systems

Proven experience of working in a welfare and/or debt relief counselling role

Experience in debt counselling and have financial awareness

Experience in different interview techniques

Detailed understanding and knowledge of:

• Housing allocations
• Landlord and tenant laws
• Homelessness laws
• Possession proceedings
• Children and family laws
• Communicate care laws
• Welfare rights
• Debt counselling
• Immigration laws
• Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
• Public Health Act 1936
• An understanding of the wider context relating to Housing and Environmental Health

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent qualification or appropriately experienced for the role

Desirable

• Post Grad Diploma in Housing
• Educated to degree level

Essential Behaviours

Collaborative:

• 'I look for ways to work in partnership with colleagues across services, Members and external partners #oneteam'
• 'I recognise the skills, talent and experience of others and reach out to them for their contribution and input'
• 'I listen supportively to the ideas of others, building on their ideas, while sharing my views and knowledge'
• 'I celebrate success with my colleagues'

Ambitious:

• 'I am a proud ambassador for the Council, taking pride and responsibility for the work we do and encouraging others to do the same'
• 'I have an open mindset, take risks and explore new ways of doing things'
• 'My approach to work is filled with positivity and optimism'
• 'I work hard to build relationships inside and outside my own area of work'

Results Driven:

• 'I am flexible ensuring I provide the best possible service, wherever and whenever is best for the customer'
• 'I am driven to achieve results and show courage and resilience even when things don't go to plan'
• 'I understand our council priorities and how I make a difference.'
• 'I keep to my promises and challenge myself and others to deliver high-quality services'
• 'I make sure I am clear on what I need to achieve, keeping a focus on results and solutions'

Empowering:

• 'I show energy and drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo'
• 'I embrace new technology and look for new ways for our services to become digital not forgetting to be accessible for all'
• 'I take responsibility if things don't go well and learn from it for my own and for the organisation's development'
• 'I look for and act on opportunities where we can generate an income or drive down costs'
• 'I appropriately challenge unacceptable behaviour'
• 'I ask for help and support when needed'

Supportive:

• 'I treat everyone with kindness, dignity and respect, valuing their thoughts, background and experience'
• 'I understand and take care of my own well-being and of that of those around me.'
• 'I treat others as I would want to be treated myself ensuring I am welcoming, friendly and approachable'
• 'I care for my colleagues, taking an interest in them, showing support for their personal identities and what's important to them'
• 'I trust colleagues to do their job knowing this may not always be visible in a traditional 9-5 work pattern'
• 'I give time to colleagues who need help or support, even when the pressure is on'

Mental Demands

• The post requires the successful candidate to deal sensitively with customers who may be vulnerable and/or emotional and situations that may be challenging, demanding and stressful, but still require clear and logical decisions to be made to bring matters to an acceptable conclusion.  
• The role is led by service demand and at times is likely to require regular re-prioritisation of existing workload to cope with unpredictable peaks in demand for the service which requires professionalism at all times.
• In order to deal with the workload and manage customer expectation the role will regularly be mentally and emotionally demanding.

Physical Demands

• To be able to meet the physical and travel/mobility requirements of the post and to make home or out of office visits as required.
• Part of the role is office based (sometimes in satellite offices) requiring the use of PC's and laptops, or working remotely from home or on site.

Health & Safety (exposure to risk)

The post is exposed to occasional unavoidable risks including:

• Complex and varied work area. Need to manage to tight deadlines and look after welfare ( workplace stress)
• Visits to properties that are 'filthy' and/or verminous, infested with pests, or with trip/slip hazards
• Dealing face to face with difficult situations that may be confrontational such as landlord and tenant disputes or aggressive/intoxicated clients
• Exposure to some personal and sensitive data and records which could affect mental well being.