Housing Options Officer

Vivid Resourcing Ltd; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing services organization in the East Midlands is seeking a Housing Options Officer to provide professional housing advice and support to customers at risk of homelessness. The role involves using the Jigsaw case management system to manage homelessness applications and develop tailored housing plans. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of housing legislation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with vulnerable clients. This position offers full-time hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Housing Options or homelessness prevention role.
• Strong knowledge of housing legislation and welfare reforms.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and work under pressure.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Competent in using Jigsaw or similar housing case management systems.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work with vulnerable clients in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality housing advice to customers.
• Use Jigsaw to record and manage homelessness applications.
• Conduct interviews and home visits to assess housing needs.
• Make lawful decisions on homelessness applications.
• Negotiate with landlords to prevent homelessness.
• Arrange temporary or permanent accommodation.
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies.
• Maintain accurate records and produce required reports.
• Participate in out-of-hours rota if applicable.

Skills

Housing Options experience

Knowledge of housing legislation

Case management

Negotiation skills

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Tools

Jigsaw

Job description

Job Title: Housing Options Officer
Location: East Midlands
Start Date: December 8th
Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week) / Hybrid working available

Purpose of Role

To provide professional housing advice and support to customers at risk of homelessness, with a strong focus on prevention. The role involves using the Jigsaw case management system to assess housing needs, manage homelessness applications, and develop Personal Housing Plans in line with statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality housing advice to customers, ensuring compliance with housing legislation (Housing Act 1996 Parts VI & VII, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
• Use Jigsaw to:
  • Record and manage homelessness applications.
  • Create and monitor Personal Housing Plans.
  • Track case progress and outcomes.
• Conduct interviews and home visits to assess housing needs.
• Make lawful decisions on homelessness applications (including Section 184 decisions).
• Negotiates with landlords, agents, and other stakeholders to prevent homelessness.
• Arrange temporary or permanent accommodation where necessary.
• Liaise with internal teams and external agencies to provide holistic support.
• Maintain accurate records and produce reports as required.
• Participate in out-of-hours rota (if applicable).

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Housing Options or homelessness prevention role.
• Strong knowledge of housing legislation and welfare reforms.
• Ability to manage a complex caseload and work under pressure.
• Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Competent in using Jigsaw or similar housing case management systems.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work with vulnerable clients in challenging situations