Location
London Borough of 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 is known for high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.
Sutton is investing continuously 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 be 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 committed to working closely with residents and vulnerable groups to support independence and balance between support and independent living.
The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the borough’s future and adapt to residents’ needs to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
Based in Housing Advice Services, this is a vital front-line role focused on preventing and relieving homelessness.

About the Role
As a Targeted Housing Advisor, you will take a proactive, holistic, and personalised approach to housing advice and support. You will deliver housing needs assessments and personal housing plans to help residents resolve homelessness.
This role involves a casework approach to identify solutions for customers, developing and reviewing person-centred support plans with both short and long-term aims. You will be responsible for making robust enquiries and assessing eligibility for accommodation in accordance with Part VI and VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended 2002), Homeless Reduction Act 2017, and Renters Right Act 2025.
A key responsibility is issuing robust decision letters, preparing documents for court, 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 action to mitigate them. You will forge effective working relationships with internal and external organisations to provide advice and support to vulnerable adults and young people. You will also contribute to continuous improvement of policies and procedures to ensure delivery of a quality service.

Our Offer to You
We are committed to helping you fulfil your potential by offering a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment to grow your career and skills. We encourage innovation and value your ideas, supported by a dynamic and experienced management team.
Benefits include:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working arrangements through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working 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 your 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.
We embrace the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve productivity but expect authentic, personalised applications that demonstrate your own skills and motivation. Applications relying solely on AI-generated content may be rejected.
We value transparency and this will be assessed throughout the application and interview process.
The closing date is indicative; we reserve the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received. Early application is advised.
Our award-winning Diversity Programme anonymises applications to reduce bias and encourages diverse interview panels. 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 that reflects our community and fosters belonging. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks.
We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length.
Applicants should be aware of the UK points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers. Sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility and budget.

Experience
Proven experience working within homelessness or housing advice services, delivering support, advice, and casework guidance in complex statutory or voluntary sector environments.
Experience providing support, advice, and guidance in a complex environment is essential.

About You
You will have an in-depth working knowledge of housing options and 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.
You will demonstrate a customer-focused attitude with empathy while resolving complex issues.
You must be able to interpret and explain complex legislation to diverse audiences and make clear, consistent decisions.
You will manage expectations through negotiation and influence to effect positive changes in customer behaviour.
You will be highly organised, able to manage a caseload, monitor task progression to meet deadlines, and collect and evaluate information to draw reasoned conclusions.
Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to maintain accurate case records using IT systems.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications are not explicitly stated but a high level of competence and relevant experience in housing advice and homelessness services is required.