Housing Advisor (CRF)

Newham Council•Stratford, CT

1d•£35,520 - £42,060•Onsite

About The Position

This role specializing in discretionary financial support is a critical front-line role dedicated to preventing homelessness and managing public funds. Positioned within the Homelessness Prevention and Advice Service, the advisor is responsible for evaluating complex financial applications from residents facing severe housing crises. You will review household budgets, bank statements, and income evidence to determine eligibility for short-term financial assistance through the Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment, whilst also assessing for threats of homelessness. By assessing these claims objectively against strict local policy frameworks, you will award targeted funds to clear rent arrears, cover housing shortfalls, or secure deposits for more affordable tenancies. Beyond financial assessment, the role demands a high level of empathy, resilience, and exceptional communication skills. You will conduct interviews with vulnerable residents, including individuals dealing with imminent eviction. You will work collaboratively across various public services, liaising closely with private landlords, social housing providers, social workers and the Department for Work and Pensions to build holistic support plans for applicants. Ultimately, you will ensure that every financial award is linked to a long-term plan for housing sustainability while maintaining impeccable electronic case files and audit trails that meet local government financial regulations.

Requirements

High level of empathy, resilience, and exceptional communication skills.
Ability to conduct interviews with vulnerable residents.
Ability to work collaboratively across various public services.
Ability to maintain impeccable electronic case files and audit trails.

Nice To Haves

Experience in discretionary financial support.
Experience in homelessness prevention.
Experience in managing public funds.
Experience in assessing financial claims against strict policy frameworks.
Experience liaising with private landlords, social housing providers, social workers, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Responsibilities

Evaluate complex financial applications from residents facing severe housing crises.
Review household budgets, bank statements, and income evidence to determine eligibility for short-term financial assistance.
Assess for threats of homelessness.
Award targeted funds to clear rent arrears, cover housing shortfalls, or secure deposits for more affordable tenancies.
Conduct interviews with vulnerable residents, including individuals dealing with imminent eviction.
Work collaboratively across various public services, liaising closely with private landlords, social housing providers, social workers and the Department for Work and Pensions to build holistic support plans for applicants.
Ensure that every financial award is linked to a long-term plan for housing sustainability.
Maintain impeccable electronic case files and audit trails that meet local government financial regulations.