Location
Sutton

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£44,685 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, providing quality services while successfully addressing financial challenges. Sutton is committed to involving residents in key issues and local high street developments.

Sutton is continuously investing in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision will create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy, fostering a vibrant community of scientists, doctors, and innovative companies. With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton is passionate about working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to help maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a driving force within the South London Partnership, a collaboration of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton strives to improve services and spaces for its residents, shaping the borough’s future to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
Sutton is defined by ambition, community, and change. The borough takes pride in its strong local identity, vibrant neighbourhoods, and commitment to delivering impactful services. Housing is central to this mission. As a Targeted Housing Adviser, you will join a team dedicated to providing an effective and efficient Homelessness Prevention and Statutory Homelessness assessment service.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
Based within Housing Advice Services, this vital front-line role focuses on preventing and relieving homelessness. You will deliver housing needs assessments and personal housing plans using a proactive, holistic, and personalised approach to support residents in resolving homelessness.

Your casework will involve seeking solutions for customers by developing and reviewing person-centred support plans with both short and long-term goals. You will be responsible for making robust enquiries and assessing eligibility for accommodation in line with Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended 2002), the Homeless Reduction Act 2017, and the Renters Right Act 2025.

A key responsibility includes issuing robust decision letters, preparing court documents, and attending court to comply with prevailing legislation and case law.

This role requires a creative problem-solver who can identify risks and take appropriate mitigating actions. You will build effective working relationships with internal and external organisations to provide advice and support to vulnerable adults and young people. Additionally, you will contribute to continuous improvement of policies and procedures to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Our Offer to You
We value and nurture talent, offering a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment to grow your career and skills. We encourage innovation and welcome ideas of all sizes, supported by a dynamic and experienced management team.

Employee benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Access to a learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts at local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Apply online outlining the skills, abilities, and experience that make you an ideal candidate. Please refer to the job profile requirements and ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. Sutton embraces the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity but values authenticity; applications relying solely on AI-generated content without personalisation may be rejected. We uphold transparency throughout the application and selection process, which will be assessed at interview.

The closing date is indicative; we reserve the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received. Early application is advised to avoid disappointment.

As part of our award-winning Diversity Programme, all applications are anonymised to reduce bias and reviewed solely on knowledge, skills, and experience. Interview panels are diverse to further minimise bias. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to create a workforce reflective of our community and fostering a sense of belonging. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks to support diversity.

We are a disability confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract length or type.

Due to the UK’s points-based immigration system, sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility and budget. We cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and evaluate requests case-by-case.

Experience
In-depth working knowledge of housing options and housing legislation, including Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), Investigatory Powers Act 2016, Homeless Code of Guidance, Renters Right Act 2025, Localism Act 2011, Deregulation Act 2015, Housing Act 2004, Protection from Eviction Act 1977, security of tenure, welfare, and Housing Benefits. Experience providing support, advice, and guidance in a complex environment is essential.

About You
Customer-focused with the ability to show empathy while resolving complex issues. Able to interpret and explain complex legislation to diverse audiences and make clear, consistent decisions. Skilled in managing expectations through negotiation and influence to effect positive changes in customer behaviour. Highly organised with the ability to manage a caseload and monitor task progression to meet deadlines. Capable of collecting and evaluating information to draw reasoned conclusions. Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to maintain accurate case records using IT systems.

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