Housing Options Officer

Service Care Solutions; Coleshill Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to assist with homelessness prevention and manage a complex caseload. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of housing legislation and experience in providing housing advice. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, securing accommodations, and collaborating with various agencies. This is a temporary role providing a direct impact on homelessness prevention within a proactive service.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a direct impact on homelessness prevention

Qualifications

• Experience in housing advice or homelessness prevention.
• Strong understanding of housing legislation and homelessness law.
• Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex caseload of homelessness assessments.
• Delivering homelessness prevention and relief interventions.
• Working in partnership with various services to secure accommodation.

Skills

Housing advice

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Customer service skills

Education

Housing qualification / CIH membership

Job description

Housing Options Officer

Location: B37
Contract: 3-month temporary assignment
Rate: £24.63 per hour LTD

Overview

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Options Officer on behalf of a local authority based in B37. This is a frontline role within a busy Housing Options service, focused on preventing and relieving homelessness in line with statutory requirements. The post holder will be responsible for managing a complex caseload, conducting homelessness assessments, and making decisions under the Homelessness Reduction Act. The role also involves working closely with internal and external partners to secure accommodation solutions and support customers with a wide range of needs.

Key Duties

• Processing and investigating applications for housing assistance, homelessness, and threatened homelessness.
• Determining statutory duties owed under the Homeless Reduction Act.
• Delivering homelessness prevention and relief interventions.
• Securing suitable temporary and emergency accommodation where required.
• Maintaining regular contact with households in temporary accommodation.
• Supporting vulnerable clients including those with mental health, substance misuse, offending history, domestic abuse and complex social needs.
• Conducting interviews, home visits and multi‑agency meetings.
• Managing customer records, case notes and evidence to required standards.
• Working in partnership with Children’s Services, Police, Domestic Abuse teams, Health, Housing Associations and voluntary agencies.
• Making referrals into supported housing and other specialist services.
• Contributing to continuous improvement and service development.

Requirements

• Experience in housing advice or homelessness prevention.
• Strong understanding of housing legislation and homelessness law.
• Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload.
• Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively with vulnerable households.
• Car driver/vehicle owner essential.

Desirable

• Knowledge of welfare rights, landlord & tenant law, immigration and social housing policy.
• Experience of conflict management.
• Housing qualification / CIH membership.

Benefits

This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact on homelessness prevention within a proactive Housing Options service.

Contact

George Westhead
Recruitment Consultant - Housing Division