Case manager - housing options - united kingdom, taunton, somerset

salary: gbp28,226 - gbp30,095 (grade f)

hours: full time (37 hours per week)

contract: permanent

location: taunton (variable & flexible)

job ref: cmho

closing date for applications: friday, 30 september 2022 at 9am

interviews w/c: 10 october 2022

about the job:

2022 is a very exciting time to join somerset west and taunton with our service going through many changes and enhancements.

we are focused on continuing to improve our housing services, including reducing the number of households in temporary accommodation, increasing housing options available to residents, reducing rough sleeping, developing an enhanced private sector offer and improving the service we deliver to our customers. there has never been a better time to join an improving housing options service working to deliver high quality, innovative, people-focused and value for money services.

about you:

with a comprehensive understanding and awareness of housing issues and government policies relating to homelessness, you will have a sound working knowledge of the hra 2017, housing act 1996 part vii and localism act 2011. you will have proven ability to manage difficult situations whilst remaining calm, friendly and professional along with experience of working with individuals who are under stress and emotional because they could be living in challenging housing conditions.

you will be a key member of the housing options team, with responsibility for housing options cases from initial advice/triage through to sustainable housing options including the assessment of homeless applications and providing the relevant support and advice as determined within the homelessness reduction act 2017.

if you are enthusiastic, dynamic, self-motivated and are looking to take the next step in your career we would love to talk to you.

the successful candidate will:

offer advice and assistance to applicants to enable them to maintain their accommodation and/or prevent homelessness either in person, on the telephone or in writing.

contribute towards the prevention of homelessness by giving appropriate housing advice to applicants, to include the housing register, mutual exchange, transfers, help to buy, shared ownership, mortgage debt, privately renting, sheltered and supported accommodation options and discretionary housing payments.

assist applicants in accessing privately rented accommodation by liaising with private landlords.

give appropriate advice to maximise income, including advice around welfare benefits, housing benefit and discretionary housing payments, to conduct benefit calculations as appropriate and to give advice on changes being implemented as part of the welfare reform.

provide wide-ranging housing advice on the law relating to landlord and tenant relationships, prevention of eviction, harassment, anti-social behaviour, disrepair, domestic abuse, grants and proactive housing advice on a range of other issues.

provide excellent standards of customer service at all times.

maintain confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive personal information regarding applicants' details, in accordance with the council's confidentiality policy and protocol, acting at all times within the highest standard of professional practice.

to investigate medical or social circumstances through liaison with medical professionals, social care service, the community mental health team and other professionals in health and social work.

attend multi-agency case conferences and meetings to represent the housing service.

conduct home visits and attend professionals meetings in order to verify information regarding an applicant's housing need.

support applicants with defending possession proceedings in court and assist with preparation of their file for review by the judge.

determine homeless applications from applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness under part vii of the housing act 1996, placing in suitable temporary accommodation and discharging the duty, where appropriate.

maintain a high level of professional knowledge of current legislation and best practice/case law.

actively participate in reducing rough sleeping within the district by giving appropriate housing options advice, liaising with the rough sleeping intervention team and other relevant services.

proactively contribute to the housing team plan and housing directorate plan as well as the council's homelessness and rough sleeping strategies, meeting the targets identified through performance management.

undertake research work leading to recommendations for changes to policy or operational procedures and participate in discussions on policy and procedural issues, proactively contributing to the continuous improvement of the service.

maintain database records using excel, word and other network databases, including filing, general housekeeping and completing statutory returns.

work as part of a team providing a front-line service to customers from main reception.

carry out other duties, as and when required, including flexible working to support the housing service.

due to the nature of the role a valid full car driving license (category b) with no more than six points on it is required.

please note that the successful applicant may be required to undergo a dbs process.

for more information on the post, please contact

benefits of working with the council

the council offers flexible and agile working, with excellent technology to support this.

the council offices provide a pleasant, comfortable and modern working environment and a fleet of pool cars for use on official business.

the council offer a generous annual leave entitlement as well as an option to purchase additional annual leave.

other benefits include the local government pension scheme, payment of professional subscription if required for the role, an employee assistance programme, access to my staff shop which include salary sacrifice schemes, discounts and deals.

employees also are eligible for free use of the gym and swimming pool during off peak times and discounted gym and swimming membership at peak times.

a relocation allowance may apply if eligible.

how to apply

to apply for this role, please view our website and download and complete the application form and recruitment monitoring forms in line with the job description.

completed application forms and recruitment monitoring forms should be emailed to quoting the job reference.

please note we do not accept cvs

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