Housing Options Officer

Crawley Borough Council; Great Yarmouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Crawley Borough Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will assess housing situations, communicate responsibilities, and provide high-quality services to customers facing housing challenges. This role requires effective negotiation skills and proactive problem-solving abilities, with a focus on supporting the community and preventing homelessness.

Benefits

Generous employee benefits package

Range of discounts and wellbeing incentives

Qualifications

• Pro-active individual with innovative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with customers and external partners.
• Experience in a housing options role preferred but training available.

Responsibilities

• Assess customers' housing situations and communicate statutory duties.
• Prevent and relieve homelessness to achieve positive outcomes.
• Produce accurate written assessments and housing plans.

Skills

Effective Negotiation

Communication

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Job description

• Interview date: 28 July 2025 - 01 August 2025

We are looking for a Housing Options Officer to join our busy Housing Options team on a fixed term 12-month contract. The team works with customers to:

• assess their housing situation
• establish and communicate the statutory duties owed
• prevent and relieve their homelessness to achieve positive outcomes

We are looking for a pro-active individual who is able to take an innovative approach to problem solving, is an effective negotiator and can provide a high quality of service to customers with housing problems. An ability to communicate clearly and effectively to customers, landlords, accommodation providers, partner organisations and other professionals whilst providing a high quality of service and customer care to all groups of the community is essential.

You will need to be efficient and effective in extracting relevant information from customers to produce accurate written assessments and housing plans in Plain English, so that customers are clear on the steps that both they and the council will be taking and are expected to take to resolve their housing situation.

Preference will be given to applicants who have worked in a housing options capacity but training will be provided to the right candidate who can demonstrate the qualities and skills required for this role. Successful shortlisting for interview will be on the basis of meeting the essential criteria in the job description and person specification and selection will focus on experienced candidates in the first instance.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if suitable applications are received.

Additional information

Interviews will be held in person between 28 July and 1 August 2025. A written test may be emailed to shortlisted applicants shortly before the interview and will form part of the recruitment process.

There is one role available on a 12-month fixed term basis, funded through our Homelessness Prevention Grant, with the possibility of extension depending on government grant funding.

Due to the sensitive nature of client contact, this role is exempt from being able to be considered on a job share basis.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package , with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email [e-mail] , Housing Options Team Leader or call on 01293 438150.