An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Housing Advice Officer to join our busy Housing Advice Team, on a 12-month fixed term contract, working 37 hours per week.

We are seeking someone ideally with some experience of dealing directly with members of the public and working in collaboration with others to achieve results. You should have some understanding of the issues faced by individuals who are homeless or in housing need.

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, you will ensure that customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness are given high quality housing advice and housing options.

Working with both individuals and households, you will support clients in devising personalised housing plans, taking into account the clients housing and support needs, with the aim of assisting clients to retain their current accommodation, or securing alternative suitable accommodation.

Ideally, you will have some experience of frontline support to vulnerable customers facing a housing crisis, developing support or housing plans with clients and with reaching decisions under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended).

The successful candidate will have a strong focus on the needs of the people that are seeking assistance, whilst being able to manage customers’ expectations, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

You should be a strong team player who embraces change and is able to work flexibility in order to meet the needs of the service and the people that we are seeking to assist.

The Council considers this to be a customer focused role and the ability to converse at ease with customers adapting communication style to suit differing audiences and provide advice in accurate spoken English is fundamental to the role.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

Working in Maidstone you’ll also be less than an hour from London by train and have all that Kent can offer at your fingertips. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills and experience within an organisation that prides itself on supporting its staff.

This is a full-time position on a fixed term contract for 12 months.

For further information or to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact either Jill Rogers, Senior Housing Advice Officer on 01622 602595.

To apply for the position please visit https://www.maidstone.gov.uk/jobs and complete the online application form or by phone on 01622 602555.

Closing Date: Sunday 29th September 2019
Interview Date: Wednesday 9th October 2019

Council Benefits: essential car allowance, career average pension scheme, professional fee payment, flexible working (including opportunities for home working and job share), employee benefits package and generous leave entitlement.