Housing Solutions Officer

Housing Solutions Officer

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Housing Solutions Officer to join our Housing Solutions & Prevention Service.

Please note that, due to current funding arrangements, this post is fixed-term for 12 months .

The postholder will play an integral role in delivering early intervention and homelessness prevention in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 . Working directly with households at risk of homelessness, you will provide tailored and comprehensive housing advice, negotiate with landlords and family members, develop Personal Housing Plans, and support clients to sustain accommodation wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, effective case management skills, and a clear commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals to achieve positive and sustainable housing outcomes. You will be empathetic, well‑organised, and able to work collaboratively within a fast‑paced statutory environment.

If you are committed to preventing homelessness and making a meaningful difference to the lives of those in housing need, we welcome your application.

Purpose of the Role The Housing Solutions Officer will deliver a comprehensive, person‑centred housing advice and homelessness prevention service in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 . The postholder will focus on early intervention , working proactively with households to prevent homelessness at the earliest possible stage, resolve housing difficulties, and promote sustainable long‑term housing outcomes. This role requires strong working knowledge and practical experience of applying the duties set out under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, including S66 Prevention Duty, S73 Relief Duty, and S75 Final Duty.

What you will Deliver Prevent homelessness and resolve housing problems through effective early intervention and advice. Provide realistic information to customers regarding their eligibility for housing assistance and alternative housing options. Carry out assessments and ensure full compliance with duties placed on the Council under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 . Respond to enquiries from Housing Register applicants, providing advice on rehousing prospects and alternative housing options. Support applicants to complete online applications to the Common Housing Register.

Prevent homelessness and resolve housing problems through effective early intervention and advice. Provide realistic information to customers regarding their eligibility for housing assistance and alternative housing options. Carry out assessments and ensure full compliance with duties placed on the Council under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 . Respond to enquiries from Housing Register applicants, providing advice on rehousing prospects and alternative housing options. Support applicants to complete online applications to the Common Housing Register.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Homelessness Prevention Functions

Provide telephone, online and face‑to‑face housing advice, ensuring customers understand their rights, responsibilities and housing options. Conduct effective, customer‑focused housing solutions interviews, gathering accurate and relevant information. Maintain strong understanding of housing solutions and clearly communicate options that support the prevention and relief of homelessness within legislation. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how homelessness prevention aligns with duties under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation, case law and private sector tenancy regulations, advising customers on legal rights and remedies. Participate in outreach at external venues including hospitals, and community buildings. Apply creativity and flexibility within legal frameworks to secure the best possible outcomes for customers. Use homelessness prevention funds appropriately to support households to avoid or resolve homelessness. Manage a caseload efficiently, ensuring timely and appropriate legal casework that meets statutory duties. Conduct home visits where necessary to prevent homelessness and promote solutions. Promote private rented sector opportunities where suitable and lawful. Build effective relationships with private landlords to prevent accommodation loss and support tenancy sustainment. Maintain accurate, detailed casework records and ensure all contacts and outcomes are recorded correctly. Work jointly with other departments and teams, including Children’s Services, to undertake joint assessments and support complex cases.

Homelessness Assessment Functions Interview customers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, ensuring sensitive and thorough assessment. Make detailed enquiries with external agencies to verify information, investigate circumstances fully, and protect public resources. Investigate homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, using relevant law and case law to inform decisions. Make statutory decisions and issue high‑quality legal decision letters clearly explaining legislation, reasoning, and review rights. Identify cases involving fraud or misrepresentation and escalate appropriately. Identify high‑risk situations and make necessary referrals to Police, Social Services, or other safeguarding agencies. Ensure all relevant medical and social information is considered during assessment and rehousing processes. Determine when temporary or emergency accommodation is required and arrange suitable placements. Ensure accurate transfer of information to the team responsible for booking temporary accommodation. Determine whether the Council’s duty has ended where an applicant vacates or is evicted from temporary accommodation. Make statutory decisions under the supervision of the Team Leader, ensuring void periods are minimised. Assess whether the Council has a statutory duty to protect an applicant’s personal property and make arrangements as required. Clearly explain decisions, both verbally and in writing, when no homelessness duty is owed.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS Work closely with support agencies, including Supporting People providers, Probation and Prison services, to improve client outcomes. Work effectively with a wide range of client groups, including young people, offenders, and individuals with complex needs such as substance misuse or mental health challenges. Manage own caseload efficiently in a fast‑paced frontline service. Carry out duties in line with Council policies and customer care standards. Treat all customers with respect, empathy and professionalism. Participate in the duty rota alongside other Housing Solutions Officers. Participate in the Out of Hours On‑Call Rota for emergency homelessness queries, including weekends and Bank Holidays. Work cooperatively with the Reception Team to ensure customers are supported effectively and promptly. Input case details accurately and on time into the Abritas system. Respond to correspondence within required timescales. Maintain excellent understanding of relevant legislation including the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and private sector tenancy law. Manage workload and make informed decisions in a high‑pressure environment. Contribute to meeting targets such as reducing homelessness and minimizing bed and breakfast placements. Liaise with statutory and voluntary organisations and attend meetings as required, including outside normal working hours. Support the Council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Undertake additional duties commensurate with the post or as part of development opportunities. Comply with Health and Safety policies and procedures. Support the Council’s Climate Change commitments and Carbon Reduction objectives. Safeguarding responsibilities: report any concerns regarding the safety of a child or adult at risk immediately via the appropriate channels.

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