Gateway and Initial Assessment Adviser

Our client is a Local Authority who are looking to recruit an experienced Gateway and Initial Assessment Adviser for an initial 3 month contract.This role is based in the Housing Advice, Information and Assessment Service and is focused on the provision of information and advice to empower the customer to resolve their own enquiry or problem. This will include (but not exclusively):- describing services available-assessing eligibility for services-assisting the customer to complete forms and application forms-advising the customer how they can maximise their chances of securing andmaintaining accommodation.-explaining the support services available to the customer-resolving errors in service provision-resolving communication blocks with other services.The role provides advice and information in such areas as, but not exclusively, housing options and availability, welfare benefits, employment and training opportunities, provision of support services and long term accommodation options.Representative accountabilities-Carry out independent but low risk interventions/assessments to identify customer needs or deliver services directly to customers.-Assist more experienced colleagues in delivering complex serviceactivities/assessments in order to meet or identify customer needs and develop own skills and experience.-Provide advice and support to customers using the internal procedures andpolicies.- Where appropriate supervise the tasks and activities of other team members including prioritising and scheduling of work.The successful candidate will be required to:- Provide an effective and efficient information and advice triage service at the first point of contact for members of the public on a range of housing related issues, including on the phone, through the web based systems and face to face.-Take appropriate action to assist clients maximise their opportunity of re-housing, maintain their accommodation or live independently.- Assess and maintain applications to the Housing Register in accordance with policies and procedures, recognising where further information or advice is needed to assist residents to resolve their housing situation.-Determine whether a housing duty may arise under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002, or subsequent legislation), making relevant enquiries to assess if a customer is eligible, if there is A reason to believe they are homeless or threatened with homelessness and are in priority need referring to a Targeted Housing Adviser or Homeless Persons Officer where appropriate.-Issue non-complex S184 notices that comply with homelessness legislation, code of guidance and case law where a household is homeless but not in priority need.-Forge and maintain effective working relationships and work collaboratively with internal and external individuals and organisations to provide information, advice and support to members of the public.- Identify risk and take appropriate action to mitigate against excessive or avoidable risk, referring to advisers or senior managers where appropriate.-Contribute and participate in the development and maintenance of policies andprocedures to provide and promote continuous improvement and a quality service.In order to be considered for the post you will have:- A good working knowledge of housing options and Housing legislation in particular, Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 or subsequent legislation), Security of Tenure, Welfare and Housing Benefits and Immigration.-Significant experience of providing information, advice and guidance to members of the public in a complex environment.You will also:-Demonstrate a customer-focused attitude, showing diplomacy, empathy andunderstanding with a desire to resolve issues and find solutions to maximise theoptions and opportunities available to customers.- Be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally, complex information, ideas and arguments clearly and concisely using communication styles that are appropriate to different people and situations.In order to be considered for this post you will have previously worked in Housing Assessments and meet the above key criteria for the post.You will also hold a current DBS check and be able to start work asapYour expert recruitment consultant is Gemma Whittow, call today on or email Brown Synergy is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.Eden Brown Synergy is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.