Housing Options Advisor | Prevent Homelessness | Hybrid

Sevenoaks District Council; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Free parking

Enhanced leave

LGPS pension

BUPA assistance

Job summary

The Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer to prevent homelessness and provide frontline housing advice. Based at Sevenoaks offices, you’ll work with individuals at risk of homelessness, delivering person-centred support and practical solutions.

You’ll assess housing needs, develop Personalised Housing Plans, and collaborate with landlords, welfare teams and partners to secure safe, sustainable housing for residents across the district.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, particularly the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Experience in homelessness prevention, housing advice, or a related area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations calmly and professionally.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload under pressure.
• Negotiation and influencing skills to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Competent IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Office and housing case management systems.
• A proactive, flexible and team‑focused approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Providing advice and support to customers at risk of homelessness or facing eviction, helping to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Assessing housing needs and creating Personalised Housing Plans in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Investigating homelessness applications and making decisions in accordance with housing legislation.
• Working with private landlords and tenants through the Sevenoaks Landlords Hub, securing and maintaining quality private rented housing.
• Placing individuals in emergency and temporary accommodation, ensuring suitable placements and follow‑up support.
• Building effective relationships with internal teams (Council Tax, Private Sector Housing, Benefits) and external partners such as housing associations, voluntary organisations and statutory services.
• Supporting housing‑related projects and initiatives across the District.
• Participating in the Housing Options and Support Out of Hours Service on a rota basis (with a salary supplement).

Skills

Housing legislation

Homelessness prevention

Communication

Organization

Negotiation

IT skills

Tools

Housing case management systems

Job description

The Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer to prevent homelessness and provide frontline housing advice. Based at Sevenoaks offices, you’ll work with individuals at risk of homelessness, delivering person-centred support and practical solutions.

You’ll assess housing needs, develop Personalised Housing Plans, and collaborate with landlords, welfare teams and partners to secure safe, sustainable housing for residents across the district.