Housing Options Officer

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; Epsom; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Gym membership

Car parking

Pension scheme

Job summary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer in Epsom to cover maternity leave. You will assess homeless applicants, interview them and issue Personal Housing Plans under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, aiming to prevent homelessness and secure suitable housing.

Ideal candidates will have frontline interviewing experience in housing, strong negotiation and mediation skills, and the ability to work with partners to explore housing options that keep people in their homes

Qualifications

• Experience in housing role within local authority or housing association.
• Good understanding of Housing Act 1996 (as amended).
• Ability to interview, assess and issue Personal Housing Plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist people requiring housing advice or who are in housing need, homeless or facing homelessness.
• Interview and assess homeless applicants under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Develop Personal Housing Plans and work with the Triage officer on same-day decisions.
• Collaborate with partners and agencies to maximise housing options for service users.
• Negotiate with landlords and letting agents to prevent homelessness.
• Provide customer-focused, empathetic and practical housing advice and support.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Negotiation

Job description

Housing Options Officer

Company: Epsom & Ewell Borough Council

Salary: £35,925 to £42,110 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Epsom, KT18 5BY

Working pattern: On-site

Job type: Contract

Posting date: 13 Nov 2026

Closing date: 6 Dec 2026

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with experience of working in a housing role in a local authority, housing association or other agency and a good understanding of the Housing Act 1996 (as ammended), to join our busy Housing Options team, to cover the current postholder’s maternity leave.

Working in our small and friendly office you will assist people requiring advice or who are in housing need, homeless or facing homelessness.

This pivotal role will be responsible for woking alongside the ‘Triage’ officer, dealing with homeless applicants on the day and you will need to have a proven track record in homelessness prevention through a proactive and innovative approach to problem solving. Working within the amended legislation as set out in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 you will interview, assess and be responsible for the issuing of Personal Housing Plans. Previous experience of front line interviewing within a demanding housing environment is therefore essential.

Working with colleagues and partners, you will work to firstly keep customers in their existing home and, should that not be possible, to help them find alternatives that prevent them becoming homeless.

This will include negotiation with family and friends to discuss eviction issues as well as landlords and letting agents. It will involve liaising with other agencies to ensure that an individual is supported as much as possible to deal with any issues they may have which are impacting on their situation. You will develop good relationships and work in partnership with a range of local agencies to ensure that we maximise the options available to those in housing need.

We are looking for a team player capable of working in a busy and varied environment, who will be innovative and resourceful in solving housing issues and identifying housing options for people. You will be customer-focused, empathetic and creative with a commitment to working in partnership with internal and external contacts to ensure a high quality and efficient service.

The service is fast paced and deals with very challenging, complex and difficult clients at times. The successful candidate will have to demonstrate excellent mediation and coaching skills to build up a positive rapport with customers that motivates them to take responsibility for their own situation and work with the council. It also requires strong negotiation and person skills to work with landlords and third parties.

Empathy and understanding are key to building relationships and this is about helping people when they are in crisis so we are looking for strong people skills, enquiring and curious minds and the ability to communicate effectively.

You should have excellent communication, organisational and IT skills and a natural aptitude for dealing with any situation.

We are a small local authority developing new and progressive approaches to housing service delivery. You will have exposure to a wide range of housing practices in your role and have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and experience in many areas of local authority housing operations, and we will offer training and support to further your personal and career development.

In return, you will benefit from 25 days annual leave (extended to 28 days after 5 years’ local government service), subsidised gym membership and car parking, and an entitlement to join the local government pension scheme.

Closing Date: 06/12/2026

Interview Date: 15/12/2026

Local Government Reorganisation

Local government in Surrey is expected to change in April 2027, with new unitary councils being created to deliver all local services. While these changes are taking place, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council remains committed to providing excellent services and investing in its people.

Most roles and services will continue under the new arrangements, and the majority of employees are expected to transfer to the new authority on their existing terms and conditions. Joining us now offers the opportunity to contribute during an exciting period of change while developing your career in local government.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.

Essential requirements

Interviewing SkillsNegotiation Skills