Assessment Officer

Marks Consulting Partners are currently looking for an Assessment Officer to work with one of our Local Authority clients in London. What the Job Will Be Doing * Assessing housing applications to determine eligibility, housing need and statutory duties * Carrying out detailed housing assessments in line with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 * Making decisions on homelessness applications, including eligibility, priority need, intentional homelessness and local connection * Completing Section 184 decision letters and ensuring all decisions are legally compliant and robust * Providing housing advice and guidance to applicants on their housing options and statutory rights * Identifying prevention and relief opportunities to reduce homelessness wherever possible * Managing a varied caseload, ensuring statutory deadlines and performance targets are achieved * Liaising with Housing Options, Temporary Accommodation, Allocations and external agencies to deliver effective housing solutions * Working with vulnerable households, safeguarding concerns and complex cases requiring multi-agency support * Maintaining accurate records and updating housing management systems * Responding to enquiries, complaints and requests for reviews in a professional and timely manner What You Will Need * Experience working as an Assessment Officer, Housing Needs Officer or Housing Options Officer within a Local Authority * Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 * Experience assessing homelessness applications and making legally robust decisions * Experience producing Section 184 decision letters * Strong understanding of homelessness legislation, Code of Guidance and relevant case law * Ability to manage a high-volume caseload within a target-driven environment * Excellent communication and interviewing skills * Experience working with vulnerable households and safeguarding issues * Experience using housing management systems such as NEC, Jigsaw, Locata or similar