Housing Options Initial Assessment Officer

Brent Council; Wembley; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Excellent pension contributions (LGPS)

Up to 33 days annual leave

Eye test support and EAP

Cycle to Work scheme

Season ticket loans

Onsite facilities

Brent Rewards discounts

Job summary

Brent Council is seeking a proactive Initial Assessment Team member to support single people facing homelessness. You will be the first contact, assess needs, and offer practical housing solutions, working with partners to prevent homelessness.

The role is based in Brent with training provided. This is a fast-paced frontline position requiring empathy, resilience, and a commitment to learning in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Customer-focused mindset with excellent communication skills
• Proactive problem-solving and resilience in a fast-moving environment
• Collaborative team player who works well with others to achieve shared goals
• Strong interest in homelessness and housing issues

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for households facing homelessness, assessing their circumstances and needs
• Provide practical advice and sustainable housing solutions
• Work collaboratively with partners to prevent and relieve homelessness

Job description

Job Description

Salary range: £34,998 – £37,134 Contract: Fixed - Term 12 months Hours of work: 36 Location: Civic Centre / New Horizons Centre An exciting opportunity… Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community, so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

We’re looking for passionate, resilient individuals to join our Initial Assessment Team, helping single people facing homelessness.

In This Fast-paced And Dynamic Role, You Will

• Be the first point of contact for households facing homelessness, assessing their circumstances and needs
• Provide practical advice and sustainable housing solutions
• Work collaboratively with partners to prevent and relieve homelessness

This is a front-line role where you will be expected to work primarily from our Turning Point office located in Harlesden, however you may be required at other locations. Knowledge and experience of working in the homelessness sector is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. This is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in the sector.

The Person

What matters most is your drive, compassion, and ability to learn quickly. If you thrive under pressure, are eager to learn, and have a strong sense of purpose, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong interest in homelessness and housing issues
• The ability to learn quickly—full training will be provided
• A customer-focused mindset with excellent communication skills
• Proactive problem-solving and resilience in a fast-moving environment
• A collaborative team player who works well with others to achieve shared goals

Why join us?

We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you will benefit from:

• Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
• Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
• Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
• Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
• Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment

To learn more about our benefits, visit Our offer to you.

Closing date: Monday 7 September 2026 (23:59)

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances. The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights, can be found here. Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on [e-mail]