Housing Adviser

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have the skills to build strong local partnerships and deliver a high-quality advice service to those at risk of homelessness? If so, Citizens Advice New Forest has an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Housing Adviser.

Location: Flexible to suit applicant, with some travel across the New Forest area

Pay: £26,200 FTE (Pro rata for 30 hours per week)

Contract: Permanent (Flexible working arrangements considered)

Key responsibilities include:

- Take referrals from clients that approach Citizens Advice under threat of homelessness, as well as from New Forest District Council (NFDC) and third parties.

- Build and sustain strong relationships with key contacts within the NFDC housing team and be the primary contact for all NFDC enquiries regarding clients at risk of homelessness.

- Give proactive, timely housing options advice to those that may be at risk, with a view to avoiding future homelessness.

- Support clients to maximise their income to ensure they are in best position to avoid homelessness, including undertaking budgeting work with clients to ensure that future housing options are affordable and sustainable.

- Provide support to clients with challenges to housing bandings and negotiate with landlords and other housing stakeholders to resolve housing disputes and prevent loss of accommodation.

- Ensure clients are promptly signposted to other specialist advisers (within Citizens Advice and third parties) to deal with any issues that may increase their threat of homelessness.

We are looking for someone with:

- Experience of working one-on-one with individuals, whether in an advice or training environment.

- Ability to use sensitive listening and questioning skills to get to the root of an issue whilst maintaining structure and control of meetings.

- The ability to interpret information and present options to clients, thereby assisting them to take control of their finances.

- Confidence to deliver engaging and empowering advice.

- Confidence with financial information.

- Ability to deliver difficult messages with empathy.

- Knowledge of the Citizens Advice network is desirable but it’s not essential – we value relevant experience and a commitment to making a difference.

Why Join Us?

- Flexible working arrangements to support your work/life balance.

- 25 days’ holiday per year (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays.

- A welcoming, inclusive, and purpose-driven work environment.

For a full Job Pack which contains a detailed role profile and person specification visit www.newforestcab.org.uk/about-us/jobs/ or contact us by email for an informal chat at jobs@canf.uk

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) to jobs@canf.uk

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis.