Housing Options Advisor

Carrington West; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority housing service is seeking an experienced Housing Options Advisor to deliver frontline homelessness services. The role involves assessing housing needs, providing expert advice, managing caseloads, and ensuring compliance with homelessness legislation. Ideal candidates should have strong communication and negotiation skills, experience in housing services, and proficiency in using housing management systems. This is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in preventing homelessness within the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Housing Options or Homelessness Service.
• Strong knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
• Ability to draft clear and concise decision letters.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing advice to those threatened with homelessness.
• Conduct homelessness triage assessments.
• Manage a caseload from initial approach to final duty.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Customer-focused approach

Ability to manage a varied caseload

Tools

Jigsaw housing management system

Job description

We're recruiting an experienced and motivated Housing Options Advisor to join a proactive Housing Solutions team delivering essential frontline homelessness services within a busy local authority. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, casework management, and housing advice to make an immediate impact supporting vulnerable households and preventing homelessness across the borough.

You'll play a key role in assessing housing needs, providing homelessness advice, and ensuring compliance with statutory duties under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. Working within a fast-paced environment, you'll manage a diverse caseload, make statutory decisions, and work collaboratively with internal teams, landlords, and partner agencies to secure sustainable housing outcomes.

The role will require the successful candidate to work in the council offices 4 days per week as part of a fully on‑site team.

The Role

• Provide housing advice and assistance to customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in accordance with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Conduct homelessness triage assessments, determining eligibility, priority need, intentionality, and local connection.
• Manage a caseload of clients from initial approach through to final duty, ensuring accurate case recording and timely progression.
• Make statutory decisions, including "not homeless" and "not eligible" determinations, supported by clear and concise written decision letters.
• Negotiate with landlords, agents, and external stakeholders to prevent homelessness and secure accommodation options.
• Work closely with internal departments and partner agencies to deliver effective housing solutions for vulnerable households.
• Update and maintain accurate case notes and records using the Jigsaw housing management system.
• Provide clear advice on tenancy rights, housing options, and homelessness prevention services.
• Attend meetings and case conferences as required, contributing to multi‑agency discussions.
• Ensure all work complies with current housing legislation, guidance, and council policy.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience working within a Housing Options or Homelessness Service in a local authority setting.
• Strong working knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Ability to make accurate statutory decisions and draft clear, concise decision letters.
• Confident in managing a varied and demanding caseload independently.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with a customer‑focused approach.
• Experience of partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency using Jigsaw or similar housing systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in the office four days per week as part of a busy frontline service.

What You Need to Do Now

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote

If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK‑wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.

Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market.

For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed).

By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third‑party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.