Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer

Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer

Location: Redditch, Worcestershire Pay Rate: £22.00 per hour PAYE Gross Weekly Pay: £825.00 (37.5 hours) Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office Contract: Temporary, approximately 3 months, with potential extension Start Date: 2 November 2026 Reference: RQ(phone number removed) IR35 Status: Inside IR35

## The Opportunity

LYNX Employment Services are recruiting an experienced Homelessness & Housing Solutions Officer to join a busy Housing Service in Redditch. This is a specialist, frontline role focused on homelessness prevention, relief and statutory decision-making, supporting individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their accommodation. We are looking for an established housing professional with strong, practical experience applying Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The successful candidate must be confident managing homelessness applications, determining statutory duties and delivering legally sound decisions with minimal supervision. This is not a general housing administration role. Recent, hands-on homelessness assessment and decision-making experience is essential.

## Key Responsibilities

Assess homelessness applications and determine the authority's statutory responsibilities.

Apply Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, relevant case law and statutory guidance.

Undertake detailed homelessness assessments, investigations and enquiries.

Determine eligibility, homelessness, priority need, intentionality and local connection where applicable.

Manage prevention, relief and main-duty cases, ensuring statutory requirements and deadlines are met.

Develop, implement and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs).

Prepare clear, accurate and legally compliant homelessness decision letters.

Arrange appropriate interim or temporary accommodation where statutory duties apply.

Provide practical housing advice and negotiate with landlords to prevent homelessness.

Explore sustainable housing options, including private rented accommodation and relevant financial assistance.

Work collaboratively with support agencies, landlords and internal services.

Maintain accurate case records and manage a varied, potentially complex caseload. ## Essential Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

At least 3 years' experience in homelessness, housing options or a closely related housing advice service. At least 12–24 months of substantial, practical Part VII homelessness experience, including prevention and relief duties. Strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, particularly Part VII, and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Proven experience undertaking statutory homelessness assessments and making legally defensible decisions. A clear understanding of priority need and non-priority need, including the relevant assessment and decision-making processes. Experience preparing Personalised Housing Plans and issuing statutory decision letters. Ability to manage complex cases, vulnerable applicants and challenging situations professionally. Strong written communication, case management and organisational skills. Confidence working independently and meeting statutory deadlines.

Experience of private rented sector solutions, temporary accommodation arrangements and multi-agency working would be advantageous.

## Working Arrangements

The role is based in Redditch, with two days per week working from the office and the remainder working remotely. The initial assignment is expected to run until 5 February 2027, with the possibility of an extension.

## Apply Today

If you're an experienced Homelessness or Housing Options professional with the statutory knowledge and practical casework experience to make an immediate contribution, we'd like to hear from you. For further information, contact Elliott at LYNX Employment Services. Telephone: (phone number removed) Email