Professional Development Award in Housing Law Advice

This award has been designed for staff providing advice and support to clients on housing issues either as a dedicated key function or as part of a wider role.

Audience

The primary audience is that of housing advisers and front-line staff working within the housing sector. However the awards are not specifically for those in the housing sector and will be of interest and use to other staff groups working in the wider field of advice and guidance, providing that the agency is working towards the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers as accredited by HomePoint.

Benefits of the PDA award

Opportunity for staff to develop knowledge and show commitment to continued professional development.
Flexible programme as all courses are delivered on line.
Accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
PDA Housing Advice is available at SCQF level 6 and level 7.
The award will be part of a larger, established suite of PDAs for the advice sector.

Level 6 award

To enable candidates to develop a basic understanding of issues related to housing in order to offer advice and information.
To enable candidates to develop a general, broad-based knowledge and understanding of key areas of housing issues including rights, benefits, grants, homelessness, arrears (both rent and mortgages), discrimination and the role of the local authority in relation to the application process.

Level 7 award

To enable candidates to develop advanced knowledge of key housing issues in order to provide detailed advice to service users.
To enable candidates to develop specific detailed knowledge of the law relating to the key issues surrounding security of tenure, homelessness, finance (arrears and repossession), repair and disrepair.
To further develop the candidate's understanding of the causes and effects of key housing issues on individuals.
To examine influences, internal and external on the provision of housing.

For more information, email trainingscotland@shelter.org.uk or telephone 0344 515 2477 .