Grade/Salary: ME9 - £39,519- £40,575 per annum
Working arrangements: Hybrid working, at least 60% workplace attendance.
Are you a proactive, motivated professional with a passion for helping households move towards settled and sustainable accommodation?
The London Borough of Merton is seeking enthusiastic and committed Settled Housing Caseworkers to join our Housing Needs service.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to households experiencing homelessness by taking ownership of cases, identifying housing solutions and actively supporting residents to move out of temporary accommodation.
We are looking for individuals who are organised, resilient and solution-focused, with the confidence to manage complex caseloads, make informed decisions and explore creative approaches to securing positive housing outcomes.
You will play an important role in reducing the length of time households spend in temporary accommodation, ensuring residents receive effective, person-centred support while helping the Council deliver its homelessness responsibilities.
Take full ownership of a caseload of households in temporary accommodation, proactively progressing cases towards settled housing.
Complete and regularly review suitability assessments, Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) and affordability assessments.
Develop and deliver individual housing exit plans, exploring private rented accommodation, Direct Offers and other suitable housing options.
Prepare clear, legally compliant discharge of duty decisions in accordance with homelessness legislation.
Work closely with residents to manage expectations, overcome barriers and support sustainable housing outcomes.
Identify safeguarding concerns, vulnerabilities and changing household circumstances, making appropriate referrals.
Undertake property visits, occupancy checks and monitor accommodation suitability and standards.
Maintain accurate case records, monitor progress and contribute towards performance targets and reducing temporary accommodation costs.
We are looking for someone who is driven, accountable and committed to achieving results, with the ability to balance empathy and customer care with effective case management.
You will demonstrate:
Good knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing suitability and statutory responsibilities.
Experience of independently managing a caseload within housing, homelessness or a related environment.
The ability to undertake detailed assessments, develop effective housing plans and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
Knowledge of welfare benefits, housing affordability and the private rented sector.
Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
The resilience and organisational skills to manage competing priorities and challenging situations.
A proactive approach to identifying solutions and progressing cases towards successful outcomes.
A commitment to safeguarding, equality and delivering high-quality customer service.
At Merton, you will be part of a team focused on improving housing outcomes and reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.
You will have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful casework, work collaboratively with housing professionals and contribute to developing a more proactive, effective and resident-focused service.
If you are passionate about housing, motivated by achieving results and ready to make a real difference to residents' lives, we want to hear from you.