Housing Options Officer

Vivid Resourcing Ltd; Calderdale; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

West Yorkshire Local Authority in Calderdale seeks an experienced Housing Options Officer on an interim basis to advise and support households facing homelessness. You will manage a live caseload, conduct assessments, and develop personalised housing plans in compliance with statutory duties.

The role requires a compassionate, professional approach, strong decision-making, and collaboration with housing providers and support services.

Qualifications

• Experience in housing options or homelessness role within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and statutory guidance.
• Experience carrying out assessments and personalised housing plans.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload independently and to deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient use of IT and housing case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of homelessness and housing options cases from first contact to resolution.
• Carry out homelessness assessments and agree personalised housing plans.
• Provide advice on housing options including prevention and private/social housing access.
• Decide on homelessness applications in line with Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Arrange and review temporary accommodation where the council has a duty to provide it.
• Collaborate with landlords, housing associations and support services to prevent homelessness and secure accommodation.
• Liaise with social care, health and partner agencies on shared cases.
• Write clear decision letters and maintain up-to-date case records.
• Handle reviews and inquiries professionally, including representations from MPs.
• Contribute to performance reporting and statutory returns.

Skills

Housing options

Homelessness legislation

Caseload management

Communication skills

IT / case management systems

Education

CIH or equivalent

Tools

Housing case management systems

Job description

Location: Calderdale, UK
Contract: Interim

About the role

Our client, a local authority in West Yorkshire, is looking for an experienced Housing Options Officer to join its housing team on an interim basis. The role provides advice and assistance to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them to understand their options and secure suitable accommodation.

You will manage your own caseload, carrying out assessments, agreeing personalised housing plans and working with applicants to prevent or relieve homelessness wherever possible. Where a household needs further support, you will make decisions in line with the council's statutory duties and make sure applicants are kept informed at each stage.

The role suits an officer who can step into a live caseload quickly and work well with people who may be in difficult circumstances. A good grasp of homelessness legislation, sound decision-making and a compassionate, professional manner will be important, as will the ability to work with partners such as housing providers, landlords and support services.

Main responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of homelessness and housing options cases, from first contact through to resolution
• Carry out homelessness assessments and agree personalised housing plans with applicants
• Provide advice on housing options, including prevention, private rented sector access and social housing
• Make decisions on homelessness applications in line with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Arrange and review temporary accommodation where the council has a duty to provide it
• Work with landlords, housing associations and support services to prevent homelessness and secure accommodation
• Liaise with colleagues in social care, health and other partner agencies on shared cases
• Write clear decision letters and keep accurate, up-to-date case records
• Handle reviews and enquiries professionally, including representations from members and MPs where required
• Contribute to performance reporting and statutory returns

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience working as a Housing Options Officer or in a comparable homelessness role within a local authority
• Sound working knowledge of homelessness legislation and associated statutory guidance
• Experience of carrying out assessments, personalised housing plans and statutory decisions
• Ability to manage a varied caseload independently and to deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident use of IT and housing case management systems

Desirable

• Experience handling homelessness cases in a local authority setting
• Experience working with households with complex needs, including domestic abuse and mental health
• A relevant housing qualification, such as CIH or an equivalent
• Knowledge of the local housing market and partner organisations

The offer

• Interim position in Calderdale
• Rate, start date, duration and working pattern to be confirmed with candidates
• The chance to join an established housing team and make an immediate contribution to a live caseload

If you are an experienced Housing Options Officer looking for an interim role in Calderdale, this position offers varied casework and the chance to make a real difference to local households.