From the City Fringe, through to the heart of the East End to the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, Tower Hamlets is a uniquely vibrant, diverse and contrasting part of the capital – a melting pot of creativity, enterprise and cultural life that brings the best of London together in one place. Tower Hamlets has been welcoming people to live, learn and work in its vibrant and historic eight square miles for centuries. We are one of the UK’s most culturally diverse areas and the borough is nationally regarded as a beacon for community cohesion. Every day is different, offering the best of London in one Borough!

You will be working in a very busy and demanding Housing Options Service in a very diverse borough in East London, which is continually evolving. The work in the service is very demanding, particularly during the unique circumstances currently affecting frontline services during recent challenging times.

We are seeking to recruit an experienced Homelessness Assessment Officer to join the Housing Options Service, mainly dealing with complex cases.

The Duties of a Complex Assessment Officer Will Include:

In accordance with the duties outlined under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, to prevent and resolve homelessness wherever possible by providing advice, support and information to those threatened with homelessness and those who have actually become homeless.
Carrying out often complex and extensive enquiries and then making s184 decisions under Housing Act 1996 Part VII as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
Investigating cases in breach of s214 of the Housing Act 1997, Part VII and working in partnership with the Fraud Team.
To investigate and compose decision letters ceasing duty towards applicants for rent arrears and anti-social behaviour under s193 of the Housing Act 1996, Part VII
Keeping fully abreast with new homeless legislation, caselaw, and policy and being able to apply them to their work.
Being able to deal with people with high support needs, who are vulnerable and will need a specific approach to progress their cases.

The post will be suitable for:

An already experienced Housing Options and Assessments Caseworker who will be required to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the Housing Act Part VII and Part VI.
A thorough understand of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and an awareness of the options available to end a homeless duty under the act.
Someone with the skills to use their own initiative in making enquiries and be innovative when carrying their investigations, to be able to seek out avenues to obtain key information about complex housing applications.
As part of the need to prevent homelessness, an ability to have good negotiation skills.
Someone who is an excellent team player being able to collaborate within and across teams in a very busy Housing Options Service, who is willing to achieve collective objectives.

If you think you have the skills and experience needed for this role, then please apply now.

All applications should be made via our online application system; no CV’s or alternative forms of applications will be accepted

Additional Details

Tower Hamlets vision for our borough is that: people are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities; we are a borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in; and we are a dynamic, outcomes-based council using digital innovation and partnership working to respond to the changing needs of our borough. We want people who aspire to our TOWER values: Together; Open; Willing; Excellent; Respect.

Tower Hamlets has a zero-tolerance approach to, and works to eradicate, all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, status as a civil partner, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and maternity and looks to employ a diverse workforce representative of those groups. We recognise that people can also be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.

We welcome applicants interested in flexible working arrangements and also applicants who live in the borough.