Job Description

This post is within the Housing Options team, which is responsible for preventing homelessness, relieving homelessness and investigating and assessing the Council’s duties to customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness under its statutory duties. The post supports the team when approached by a Domestic Abuse victim.

We are looking for a pro-active individual who can take an innovative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service to customers experiencing domestic abuse with housing problems.  An ability to communicate clearly and effectively to customers, landlords, accommodation providers, partner organisations and other professionals whilst providing a high quality of service and customer care to all groups of the community is essential.

Day to day

The post requires you to deal with domestic abuse cases approaching the Ipswich Borough Council under the new duties placed on the authority by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, dealing with housing enquires on the telephone and interviewing customers face to face regarding relevant housing issues. Your time will be spent completing casework and attending MARACs (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) held on Thursdays at least twice a month. You will also be expected to support survivors to stay in their own homes or move to safe accommodation. To undertake DASH risk assessments when appropriate. We are currently hybrid working between home and office.

About you

You will require Maths and English GCSEs or equivalent skills. An up-to-date knowledge on landlord and tenant law, debt advice, income maximisation alongside effective homeless prevention initiatives. Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse is essential. Whilst previous experience of front-line interviewing within a demanding environment, applying the Housing Act 1996 Part VII, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Homelessness Act 2002, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and related legislation is desirable, full training will be provided to the right candidate who can demonstrate the qualities and skills required for this role.

Hours of work are 37 per week, Monday to Friday.

This post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years.

As well as a good salary, we offer a career average pension scheme, generous holiday and sick pay entitlements, subsidised parking, public transport discounts, free swimming, cycle purchase scheme, plenty of personal and professional development opportunities, flexible working, hybrid working opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and the opportunity to work with great colleagues.

For more information about this role please contact Nicola Clarke on 01473 433261 or Bridie Green on 01473 433222 or via email Nicola.clarke@ipswich.gov.uk or bridie.green@ipswich.gov.uk

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role:

Job Description and Person Specification

The selection process will be an interview.

For more information about this role please contact Nicola Clarke on 01473 433261 or Bridie Green on 01473 43222 also via email at Nicola.clarke@ipswich.gov.uk or bridie.green@ipswich.gov.uk

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview candidates who meet the essential criteria prior to the closing date and / or to close the opportunity to applicants once we receive sufficient applications.