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Job description

Housing Rights is seeking an experienced Housing Advocate for our Housing Options Made Empowering (HOME) project to help deliver our vision and strategic objectives by providing specialist advice, advocacy and representation on homelessness, housing debt and housing issues. About the role: Working through housing advice clinics hosted by voluntary sector organisations, you will play a key role in supporting people presenting with complex needs and from underrepresented communities including those protected under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. You will also provide specialist training and information to HOME partner agencies, helping to build capacity across the sector while advancing the mission, values and aims of Housing Rights.

Responsibilities

• Provision of advice, advocacy and representation to people receiving support at HOME housing advice clinics
• Provision of support to agencies through training and information
• Apply appropriate case strategies to clients housing circumstances
• Develop effective working relationships both internally and externally with HOME advice recipients, partner agencies and relevant stakeholders

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades A-C (or equivalent), to include English Language and Mathematics
• An accredited qualification in housing, law, advice
• At least 12 months full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience gained in providing telephone, written and face-to-face housing or debt advice to the public in a social welfare context
• At least 12 months full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience providing advocacy and representation, in the context of handling a challenging caseload (i.e. beyond advice only, signposting, referrals)
• A demonstrated ability to see cases through to completion in accordance with organisational objectives
• Demonstrated experience of achieving positive outcomes via legal, social security, benefits or housing casework
• Skills in the use of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Teams, Outlook, Word)
• Ability to engage with clients presenting with complex needs, as well as with people from Section 75 groups and other underrepresented communities
• Valid driving licence and access to a car, or demonstrated ability to meet the mobility requirements of the post

Desirable Skills

• Evidence of completed additional relevant accredited qualifications in for example, housing, debt, social security benefits
• At least 24 months full time (or equivalent part time) experience gained in providing telephone, written and face-to-face housing or debt advice to the public in a social welfare context
• Awareness of the main issues impacting those in housing need in Northern Ireland
• Experience of mentoring and/or preparation and delivery of training or tutoring
• At least 6 months experience of providing personal representation to clients, for example, Chancery Division of the High Court or Social Security Appeal Tribunal
• Skills in the use of computerised case management systems, for example, Advice Pro

Further Information

This role is fixed term until 31 March 2027 with possibility of extension subject to further funding.