Job Capsule Supplementary Information: Housing Needs Manager Housing Options Role Purpose:

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1 Job Capsule Supplementary Information: Housing Needs Manager Housing Options Role Purpose: The key purpose of the Housing Needs Manager is to lead an efficient and effective team within Housing Options Service to deliver a high quality customer focused service in line with Barnet Homes business objectives with an additional focus on robust decision making and homeless prevention. As part of this team, the Housing Needs Manager will lead the Discharge of Duty, with a specific emphasis on successfully discharging the main homelessness duty through the offer of suitable accommodation in line with the Localism Act, Suitability Order 2012 and other key legislation and case law. The post will contribute to the operational delivery of the Housing Options service in Barnet Homes and be required to deliver customer focused housing policies and procedures and provide advice on housing issues within their allocated area of responsibility. Continuous improvement is a key focus of the Housing Needs Manager role, and the position will be responsible for ensuring that the services delivered by their team is of a high standard and meets performance standards and targets. The role may be required to deputise for the Senior Housing Needs Manager, Housing Options when required.

2 Example outcomes or objectives that this role will deliver: Contribute to the successful delivery of a responsive and high quality housing options service in accordance with Barnet Homes service aims, objectives, policies, and codes of practice. Ensure that Barnet Council s statutory duties towards housing applicants under the Housing Act 1996 Parts VI and VII are met. Provide detailed guidance and support to Housing Needs Officers on security of tenure, disrepair, welfare rights, harassment and illegal eviction, homelessness and other housing issues to ensure an effective service is provided. Supervise the investigation of housing needs cases ensuring that all prevention options are exhausted and that all reasonable enquiries have been completed. Approve recommendations made by Housing Needs Officers in relation to assessments carried out under the Housing Act 1996 Parts VI and VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002). To maximize the number of cases where the main homelessness duty is successfully discharged via an offer of suitable privately rented sector accommodation To robustly assess, approve and where required review all investigations and legal decisions made to discharge duty via such an offer of accommodation as well as any other decisions made under Housing Act 1996 Parts VI and VII. To work in partnership with the rental income team to successfully cease the main homelessness duty for cases being evicted from temporary accommodation due to rent arrears. To contribute to the development of robust policies and procedures to assist in these decision making processes. Support housing needs officers to ensure that are issuing timely decisions that are robust and stand up to review. Proactively respond to legal challenges from solicitors (including judicial reviews) and attend court proceedings when required. To deliver continuous improvement in respect of key performance indicators for the work processes and activity of the team. To deliver improved customer and Landlord satisfaction against the established baseline. To investigate and respond to complaints within Barnet Homes published timeframes and ensure lessons learned inform service improvements.

3 To provide guidance and expertise in relation to Housing Options services Prepare and present reports for the Executive & SMT Team, Barnet Homes staff and the customers on issues relevant to the service area. Participate proactively in service improvement reviews, delivering positive outcomes for customers, efficiencies and improved working practices. To lead, manage and supervise a small team, including staff appointments, appraisals, and performance and discipline. To contribute toward achieving the Barnet Homes core aims values, objectives and priorities. To follow safeguarding procedures and policies to ensure vulnerable children and adults with housing difficulties receive the right services at the right time. To work closely with internal and external colleagues, including social services, our contractors, occupational therapists, education services, support workers, hospitals and other medical professionals.. To detect and report any incidents of suspected fraud to the relevant senior officer and to liaise with other departments such as the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT), Housing Benefit, internal Audit and Legal. To participate in the duty manager rotas as required. To undertake all other responsibilities expected of the role. People Management Responsibilities: 5-7 Housing Needs Officers Relationships; Customers seeking housing advice Teams within Housing Options and TBG Solicitors and legal services External agencies Social Care, Health, Education, advice and support services

4 Work Environment: Office based with occasional home visits to customers Person Specification Technical Knowledge and Experience Knowledge: An understanding of legislation, policy, practice and current thinking around the delivery of housing needs services to residents/service users. In particular, an excellent knowledge and practical understanding of the Housing Act 1996 Part VI and VII (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002), secondary legislation and case law relating to homelessness and allocations. A practical understanding of what constitutes excellent customer care, how it can be measured and improved and a commitment to delivering it. The ability to communicate very effectively at different levels and convey complex information in a straightforward way (including the production of clear, concise reports, correspondence and notes) The ability to constructively challenge in the workplace but to also overcome obstacles and proactively find solutions, Able to influence others to ensure optimum productivity and performance The ability to use IT packages and management information systems Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of audiences, including managers, landlords, solicitors and vulnerable customers, in a courteous and professional manner and at times in stressful situations Ability to liaise effectively with other agencies and voluntary groups Ability to operate effectively in a changing environment, to develop and acquire new skills and knowledge The ability to apply learning in the workplace to support continuous improvement of business systems for the benefit of customers IT Literate: Ability to work with databases and MS Office applications

5 Desirable knowledge: Awareness of the relevant provisions contained within other social welfare legislation relating to the assistance which may be provided to homeless households. Experience: Demonstrated commitment towards on-going professional development Proven track record of working in a frontline housing environment Proven track record of managing and developing staff Proven track record of performance management