Positively UK is looking for a skilled Housing Officer who will play a vital role in providing wrap-up support to people from London living with HIV at risk or experiencing homelessness. You will carry a caseload of clients who you will formulate a comprehensive support plan with, work together with Positively UK’s team of peer caseworkers, Positively UK’s Welfare Advisor and other support agencies to enhance the quality of life of people living with HIV in London. We are open to full-time, part-time as well as job share options.
The post is supported by Fast-Track Cities London and is part of their ‘Getting to zero’ collaborative – a voluntary sector-led improvement collaborative, aiming to embed a peer support network in all HIV clinics across London, improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people living with HIV, and support those who no longer access HIV care to re-engage with healthcare providers. The postholder is expected to work closely with the Welfare Advisor from Positively UK and an Immigration Advisor situated at Refugee & Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL). Together, the three advisors will form a crisis support team that tackles the key areas of unmet needs that people with HIV face in London – poverty, housing insecurity and immigration issues.
Main Purpose:
This is an exciting new role and an opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of a bespoke crisis management service accessible by everyone living with HIV in London. The postholder will deliver comprehensive housing options advice to people referred to the service by HIV clinicians, peer support workers and voluntary sector partners, especially those in the Fast-Track Cities ‘Getting to zero’ collaborative.
Key responsibilities:
1. Provide one-to one housing advice remotely, at Positively UK’s premises and at HIV clinics across London (up to four times a month, with travel outside usual working zone reimbursed), including:
- Advise on risk of homelessness, social housing applications, rehousing options, bidding process, house swapping options
- Challenge non-priority decisions
- Submitting poor conditions complains, advise on disrepair and liaising with local Environment and Health Agency
- Liaise with shelters/ homeless person units to arrange temporary stay
- Work with asylum seekers to be moved on from unsuitable accommodation and avoid homelessness once granted refugee status
- Assess eligibility of people with irregular immigration status for asylum and refer to RAMFEL for leave to enter/remain and citizenship
- Support applications for legal aid for eviction and homelessness
- Register with and use the BAR pro-bono unit service to refer to barristers for High Court hearings and judicial reviews
2. Take part in the ‘Getting to zero’ collaborative monthly/bi-monthly partnership meetings, Positively UK’s monthly casework supervision meetings and staff meetings as required
3. Together with the Project Lead, use quality improvement methodology to shape and improve the service (training will be provided); (for example, embed, test and refine a quota system per borough to ensure fair access to the service across London, develop criteria for access to immigration support).
4. Training and professional development:
- Keep informed of new legislation and changes to existing one and undertake training as appropriate
- Identify personal development needs and undertake actions to address these
5. Administration:
- Ensure paper files and electronic records are kept up-to-date and each contact recorded
- Keep track on housing outcomes, referrals and signposting
- Ensure all monitoring information, evaluation and reports are completed to agreed deadlines
Partnership Working
- Work collaboratively with our contract partner RAMFEL
- Establish collaborative working with HIV clinic and provide outreach at various clinics up to four days a month
- Work with partners from the ‘Getting to zero’ collaborative and attend partnership meetings
- Identify key agencies to work with for referral and signposting
General Tasks:
- Carry out all duties with due regard to Positively UK's Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and other policies
- Carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may reasonably be required by the Line Manager, compatible with the objectives and level of responsibilities held by the post
- Attendance and participation in all relevant staff forums as required
- Work constructively with volunteers by supporting, mentoring and involving volunteers in this area of work to achieve the mission and objectives of the organisation
Skills, experience and qualification:
- A recognised qualification in housing advice (e.g. Certificate in Housing Practice or equivalent) or substantial equivalent experience
- At least two years’ experience in providing housing advice or support, particularly to vulnerable groups (e.g., people living with HIV, homelessness, mental health, or immigration issues)
- Knowledge and understanding of housing law, homelessness legislation, and immigration issues related to housing. Experience in dealing with housing benefit systems, social housing applications, and private rented sector issues
- Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable individuals, including people living with HIV, asylum seekers, and marginalised groups, offering person-centred support
- Proven ability to advocate on behalf of clients, managing a caseload of clients and offering tailored housing advice. Ability to challenge decisions on behalf of clients and liaise effectively with external agencies (e.g., local authorities, housing associations, legal professionals)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and sensitively. Ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of literacy
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Proficiency in IT systems, including case management tools and Microsoft Office
- Ability to organise conflicting priorities and work on own initiative
- Understanding of social housing landscape in London
- A strong understanding of both statutory and voluntary health and social care services available in London to support individuals with complex needs
Personal Qualities:
Proactive and self-motivated, self-started able to work under minimal supervision
· A commitment to advancing the rights of people living with HIV and tackling homelessness, discrimination, and inequality
· Ability to work with minimal supervision, managing a caseload and prioritising tasks effectively
· Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable individuals, respecting confidentiality and dignity
· A strong team player, able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment and contribute to service development
· Collaborative and a good team player
Attitudes & Values
1. Commitment to personal training and development
2. Commitment to Positively UK’s mission and values
3. Commitment to equal opportunities
4. Commitment to diversity and inclusion
5. Understanding of confidentiality
Terms & Conditions:
- This is fixed contract with possibility of extension subject to funding
- The post is offered on a full-time basis, part-time basis or job-share
- The post will be offered for an initial three-months probationary period
Benefits and life at Positively UK:
We truly value our people and strive to give them opportunities to grow and develop. By joining our team, you will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. By joining our team, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- 30 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Free confidential employee assistance programme through Health Assured
- Access to a wellbeing app
The purpose of this document is to describe the key accountabilities that the person holding this position needs to achieve. It is in no way an exhaustive list of responsibilities of the role: duties and requirements of this role may change as required by Positively UK. Positively UK is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to provide and promote equal opportunities to all applicants in accordance with the law and our organisational policies.
For informal chat contact: eangus@positivelyuk.org
Application pack contact admin: info@positivelyuk.org
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st January at 23:59pm
Interview date: week commencing 5th February
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 18 months
Pay: £31,000.00-£36,660.00 per year
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Housing allowance
- Referral programme
- Work from home
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London N1 6HT
Reference ID: PUKHousingAdvisor
Expected start date: 15/02/2025
