Housing Options Manager

Carrington West; Basildon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Immediate start available

Initial 3-6 month contract

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking an experienced Housing Options Manager to lead a statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service within a Local Authority in Essex. The role focuses on homelessness prevention, housing strategies, advising senior leadership, and building partnerships across health, housing and voluntary sectors.

Hybrid working and ASAP start on a 3-6 month initial contract. You will oversee assessments, allocations, and reporting to Cabinet, manage inquiries, secure external

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading a statutory Housing Options or Homelessness service within a UK Local Authority.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation, the Housing Act, Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets and commissioning external accommodation providers.
• CIH Level 5 in Housing (or willingness to work towards).
• Strong leadership with collaborative management style and team development.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports within Local Authority governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service, ensuring compliance with housing legislation and Council policy.
• Oversee homelessness assessments, housing advice, allocations, and registrations, ensuring services remain accessible to all communities.
• Develop and implement homelessness and housing strategies, translating policy into operational delivery.
• Prepare reports and present policy recommendations to Cabinet, Member Committees, and other forums.
• Manage Member enquiries, MP correspondence, and formal complaints with timely responses.
• Identify and secure external funding to support homelessness prevention and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.
• Ensure budgetary, procurement, and legal responsibilities are met per regulations and governance.
• Support Head of Strategic Housing Services on performance and strategic priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Education

CIH Level 5 in Housing

Job description

Housing Options Manager

Essex - Hybrid

Rate: £500.00 per day (Umbrella)

IR35 Status: Inside

Initial Contract Length: 3-6 Months

Start Date: ASAP

Role Summary

An experienced Housing Options Manager is required to lead a high-performing statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service within a Local Authority.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping homelessness prevention services, developing housing strategies, advising senior leadership and elected Members, and building strong partnerships across health, housing, and voluntary sectors.

What you will do as a Housing Options Manager

• Lead and manage the Council's statutory Housing Options and Homelessness service, ensuring full compliance with housing legislation and Council policy.
• Oversee homelessness assessments, housing advice, allocations, and registrations, ensuring services remain accessible to all communities.
• Develop and implement homelessness and housing strategies, translating policy into effective operational delivery.
• Prepare reports and present policy recommendations to Cabinet, Member Committees, and other democratic forums.
• Manage Member enquiries, MP correspondence, and formal complaints, ensuring timely, high-quality responses.
• Identify and secure external funding opportunities to support homelessness prevention initiatives and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.
• Ensure budgetary, procurement, and legal responsibilities are effectively managed in line with financial regulations and corporate governance requirements.
• Support and advise the Head of Strategic Housing Services on operational performance, service development, and strategic priorities.

What you will need as a Housing Options Manager

• Extensive experience managing or leading a statutory Housing Options or Homelessness service within a UK Local Authority.
• Expert knowledge of homelessness legislation, the Housing Act, Homelessness Code of Guidance, and relevant case law.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets and commissioning external accommodation providers.
• CIH Level 5 in Housing (or willingness to work towards achieving it).
• Strong leadership skills with a collaborative and supportive management style, capable of developing resilient, high-performing teams.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports within Local Authority governance frameworks.

What's On Offer

• £500 per day (Umbrella).
• Initial 3-6 month contract with potential for extension.
• Opportunity to lead a critical frontline Housing Options service.
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Immediate start available for the right candidate.