Ataya Kidd

Experienced and compassionate Housing Solutions Officer with a strong background in homelessness, housing advice, safeguarding, domestic abuse, tenancy sustainment and support for people with complex needs. Currently working for Sheffield City Council, managing a diverse and challenging caseload involving homelessness, domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, mental health, substance misuse, social exclusion and housing instability. Highly experienced in undertaking homelessness assessments, identifying risk and vulnerability, completing DASH assessments, developing appropriate interventions and working collaboratively with statutory and voluntary-sector partners.

Confident liaising with Police, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, health professionals, landlords and specialist support agencies to obtain information, manage risk and achieve positive outcomes. Strong working knowledge of homelessness and housing legislation, including advising clients regarding eviction notices, tenancy rights and responsibilities, homelessness prevention and appropriate routes for further assistance, including Tenancy(TRO) referrals. Experienced in supporting clients with (NRPF) by providing appropriate information, signposting and referrals to specialist immigration and migrant-support organisations.

Skilled in explaining complex housing processes in a clear and accessible manner. Brings more than 10 years of experience in security and public-facing environments, complemented by professional experience in health and social care. This has developed exceptional skills in risk management, safeguarding, conflict resolution, de-escalation, professional judgement, communication and crisis intervention.

A resilient, ethical and highly adaptable professional committed to protecting vulnerable people, promoting independence, preventing homelessness and delivering services that are person-centred, legally compliant and outcome focused.

HOUSING SOLUTIONS OFFICER - Sheffield City Council

(2025-01)

Responsible for managing complex homelessness applications and providing statutory housing advice and interventions to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their accommodation.

• Manage a complex caseload of homelessness applications, undertaking detailed assessments in accordance with statutory homelessness duties and relevant legislation.
• Assess eligibility, priority need, intentionality, local connection, immigration status and housing circumstances to determine appropriate duties and interventions.
• Deliver Prevention and Relief interventions designed to prevent homelessness or secure suitable accommodation.
• Provide clear, accurate and accessible housing advice to clients experiencing homelessness or threatened homelessness.
• Arrange and coordinate emergency and temporary accommodation where appropriate.
• Explore sustainable housing solutions, including private rented accommodation, supported accommodation, social housing and appropriate specialist referrals.
• Explain housing legislation, statutory duties and client responsibilities in a manner that enables clients to understand their options and make informed decisions.
• Complete Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment (DASH) risk assessments, identifying indicators of risk and vulnerability and ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Work sensitively with individuals fleeing domestic abuse and violence, providing housing advice, safety-focused interventions and appropriate referrals.
• Respond professionally to disclosures of domestic abuse, physical violence, coercive and controlling behaviour and other safeguarding concerns.
• Liaise with South Yorkshire Police where clients provide police incident or reference numbers, requesting relevant information to support homelessness and risk assessments.
• Make appropriate safeguarding referrals and share relevant information in accordance with professional and organisational procedures.
• Liaise with Adult Social Care and Children’s Services where concerns arise regarding vulnerable adults, children or families.
• Coordinate with specialist domestic abuse, health, social care and voluntary-sector organisations to ensure clients receive appropriate support.
• Maintain professional boundaries while working with clients experiencing significant distress, trauma or immediate risk.
• Support clients to maintain existing accommodation and prevent avoidable tenancy breakdown.
• Provide practical advice regarding rent arrears, tenancy responsibilities, landlord relationships and housing-related difficulties.
• Help clients understand the implications of eviction notices and the steps they may need to take to protect their housing position.
• Explain Section 21 and Section 8 possession processes and provide appropriate advice regarding available support.
• Identify cases where landlord conduct or possession issues may require further investigation and signpost or refer clients to the Tenancy Relations Officer (TRO) or other appropriate services.
• Work with landlords, agents and partner organisations to identify opportunities to prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies.
• Support clients with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) by identifying appropriate sources of advice and support.
• Provide clear signposting to specialist migrant, immigration and community organisations where statutory housing assistance may be restricted.
• Explain housing options and limitations sensitively while ensuring clients are directed towards appropriate professional support.
• Work collaboratively with external organisations to ensure vulnerable clients are not left without appropriate advice or support.
• Develop effective working relationships with internal council departments and external partner agencies.
• Liaise with Police, Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, health professionals, landlords, accommodation providers, voluntary organisations and specialist support services.
• Request and review relevant information from partner agencies to support informed homelessness and safeguarding decisions.
• Participate in coordinated approaches to complex cases involving multiple agencies.
• Escalate significant risks and safeguarding concerns appropriately and seek management guidance when required.
• Maintain detailed, accurate and contemporaneous case records covering assessments, client disclosures, safeguarding concerns, referrals, police enquiries and professional decisions.
• Handle highly sensitive personal information in accordance with confidentiality, safeguarding, information-sharing and data-protection requirements.
• Produce clear professional case notes, assessments, referrals and correspondence.
• Manage competing priorities and high-volume workloads while maintaining accuracy and professional standards.
• Exercise sound professional judgement when dealing with complex, high-risk and rapidly changing circumstances.
• Use council IT and case-management systems confidently to record, monitor and manage homelessness cases.

SUPPORT WORKER - Interserve Healthcare Services UK

(2022-11)

Provide person-centred care and support to individuals with complex health, social and behavioural needs.

• Provide compassionate, person-centred support to individuals with autism, acquired brain injuries and complex support needs.
• Assist with personal care, daily living activities, meal preparation and medication administration in accordance with individual care plans.
• Promote independence, dignity and choice through practical life-skills support.
• Support individuals to develop budgeting, education, employment and community-integration skills.
• Provide emotional support and establish professional, trusting relationships with service users.
• Support vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness to access appropriate housing and community services.
• Contribute to risk assessments, care reviews and safeguarding processes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and communicate effectively with families and professionals.
• Adapt communication techniques to meet individual needs and promote inclusion.
• Recognise changes in behaviour, wellbeing or risk and escalate concerns appr