Housing Options Officer

Carrington West; Hertford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Hertfordshire is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer for an 8-month contract. The role involves providing high-quality housing advice to customers at risk of homelessness, conducting assessments, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in homelessness prevention and a strong understanding of housing legislation. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of vulnerable individuals.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a housing options or homelessness prevention role.
• Strong knowledge of relevant housing legislation.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional housing advice to customers at risk.
• Determine eligibility for assistance and assess homelessness status.
• Stay updated with housing legislation and welfare changes.

Skills

Housing advice

Communication

Decision-making

Legislation knowledge

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about making a direct impact in the lives of people at risk of homelessness?

A local authority in Hertfordshire is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join their team on an 8-month contract, providing high-quality housing advice and support in line with current legislation and council policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, sensitive, and confidential housing advice to customers at risk of homelessness.
• Conduct initial assessments of applicants contacting the council by phone, in writing, or via public body referrals.
• Determine eligibility for assistance and assess whether applicants are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
• Issue formal written notifications to applicants on homelessness status.
• Refer eligible applicants to the Senior Housing Options Officer (Prevention and Relief) for further support.
• Offer general housing advice to applicants not at immediate risk, including guidance on applying for social housing.
• Stay up to date with housing legislation, case law, and welfare benefit changes that may impact advice provided.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a housing options or homelessness prevention role within a local authority or similar setting.
• Strong working knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996 Part VII, and related legislation.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive cases with professionalism and discretion.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status. Even if you\'re currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from public sector professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Cheryl at Carrington West on (phone number removed).

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