What does a TSW actually do?
Put simply, a TSW either helps their client find accommodation if they have none, or, more often, avoid losing the accommodation they have, A TSW might also help people in poor or inappropriate accommodation get it improved or move to more suitable accommodation. Practically, this usually means that the TSW is given formal authority by their client to work through and with any agencies, groups or individuals that can help in achieving this aim.
Put simply, a TSW either helps their client find accommodation if they have none, or, more often, avoid losing the accommodation they have, A TSW might also help people in poor or inappropriate accommodation get it improved or move to more suitable accommodation. Practically, this usually means that the TSW is given formal authority by their client to work through and with any agencies, groups or individuals that can help in achieving this aim. These agencies are typically the local authority Housing and Council Tax departments, various benefit agencies, GP’s and medical services, social services, the local Jobcentre, client’s families, Housing Associations, private landlords or letting agents, and anybody else with a legitimate involvement. It is important that the TSW is willing and able to interpret their role broadly and flexibly. This means whilst respecting their client’s confidentiality, they will engage positively and conscientiously with anybody whose input might help resolve their client’s accommodation problem. Unsurprisingly, the range of jobs a TSW might find themselves doing with or on behalf of a client during the course of a day is too long to list here, but would likely include some of the following:
- Registering a client on the local authority’s housing list, ensuring they are given priority appropriate to their need, and making applications for properties as appropriate
- Assist clients in using letting agents, local newspaper or on-line advertisements to locate properties to let, and then dealing with landlords or agents as appropriate
- Attend viewings if requested, to give a second opinion and ensure clients understand their tenancy rights and obligations
- Secure any local authority, statutory body, or charitable assistance, including practical help as well as grants or loans, to help clients in moving and/or setting up home
- Apply for housing related benefits, i.e. Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit (CTB) promptly, and support the client in subsequently managing the claims to ensure they run smoothly
- Apply for other personal benefits as appropriate promptly, especially those such as Income Support, which have a direct bearing on the client’s eligibility for HB, and support them in managing their subsequent claims
- Support and assist with the hundred and one things that need doing when a tenant moves in to a new property. This would include dealing or advocating with agents or landlords as appropriate, ensuring GP’s, schools, banks., etc are notified of the change of address, get meters read and set up accounts and payment arrangements with utility suppliers, and tie up any loose ends relating to the previous address.
- Liaise with Housing Associations, managing agents or private landlords on all matters relating to the smooth running of the tenancy, including rent payments, repairs and maintenance, neighbour relations, etc. This sometimes includes brokering arrangements to deal with any rent arrears that may have arisen.
- Assist clients if requested in budgeting and managing household finances.
- Assist them in addressing any debt problems they might have, either by advocating directly with creditors if appropriate, or referring them to specialist debt advisors.
- Signposting. Clients sometimes ask a TSW to assist in addressing problems outside their remit. It is a part of the TSW’s job to have a knowledge of local agencies and resources so that where they cannot assist the client directly themselves, they can direct them to appropriate help.