Housing Caseworker

Our local authority client based in South West England are urgently seeking an experienced Housing Caseworker. *Remote working About the Role We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Caseworker to support Dorset Council’s Housing Service on a temporary basis. This role plays a vital part in delivering a comprehensive housing advice and homelessness prevention service, ensuring statutory duties are met under relevant housing legislation. You will manage a caseload of customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, providing tailored housing advice, undertaking homelessness assessments, developing Personal Housing Plans, and working creatively to prevent and relieve homelessness. The role requires strong legislative knowledge, excellent case management skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment. Key Responsibilities * Deliver a high-quality housing advice and homelessness prevention service in line with current housing legislation. * Manage a caseload of homeless or threatened-with-homelessness applicants, maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records. * Undertake homelessness investigations, make statutory decisions, and refer for temporary accommodation where appropriate. * Develop, implement, and regularly update Personal Housing Plans with customers to prevent or relieve homelessness. * Work creatively to prevent homelessness, including negotiating with landlords, sourcing alternative accommodation, attending court where necessary, and working with partner agencies. Skills & Experience * Previous experience working within a local authority housing service or registered housing provider. * Strong knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2018. * Proven experience of preventing homelessness using a range of practical tools and techniques. * Experience managing a complex caseload with minimal supervision in a confidential environment. * Up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing options. Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained. At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful