Housing Options Officer

Service Care; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training allowance

Dedicated consultant

Daily payroll runs

Free candidate registration

Referral bonuses

Sign-up bonus

Compliance checks

Job summary

Service Care is recruiting two Housing Options Officers for a 3-month contract in Chatham, Kent. You will conduct homelessness assessments, develop Personal Housing Plans, and prepare S184 decisions while coordinating with landlords and social housing providers.

Applicants should have frontline homelessness experience, strong decision-making, and knowledge of Part VII Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The role involves working with vulnerable clients and partner agencies.

Qualifications

• Frontline housing/homelessness experience required.
• Strong decision-making with vulnerable clients.
• Knowledge of Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

Responsibilities

• Conduct homelessness assessments under Part VII Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Develop and monitor Personal Housing Plans to prevent homelessness.
• Prepare S184 decision letters with clear findings and legislation references.
• Negotiate with landlords and housing providers to secure accommodation.
• Advise on accessing social/private housing and supported options.
• Collaborate with Social Care, health services, and voluntary bodies.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Decision making

Case management

Team collaboration

Education

Knowledge of Part VII Housing Act 1996

Job description

Job Vacancy: Housing Options Officer

Are you an experienced Housing Options Officer seeking an exciting contract opportunity in Chatham, Kent? We are currently recruiting for two dedicated Housing Options Officers to join a busy housing service for a 3-month period. This role offers a competitive pay rate and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives by providing essential housing advice and solutions. If you have a strong background in homelessness assessment, prevention, and relief work, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Housing Options Officer - Key Responsibilities

• Conducting comprehensive homelessness assessments in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Developing and monitoring Personal Housing Plans (PHPs) aimed at preventing homelessness and securing sustainable housing solutions.
• Preparing legally robust S184 decision letters, clearly setting out findings of fact and relevant legislation.
• Negotiating with private landlords, social housing providers, and other agencies to prevent homelessness and secure suitable accommodation.
• Providing specialist advice on accessing social housing, private rental, supported housing, and shared ownership options.
• Collaborating with statutory agencies such as Social Care, health providers, and voluntary organisations to ensure effective service delivery.
• Maintaining accurate case records and managing caseloads efficiently to meet deadlines.

Candidate Profile & Skills

• Previous frontline experience in homelessness and housing needs services.
• Confidence in managing complex cases and making evidence-based decisions.
• Solid knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Proven experience in issuing S184 decisions and managing cases involving priority need, vulnerability, and local connection.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively with vulnerable clients and handle challenging situations.

Benefits & Pay Rate

Pay Rate: £24.00 - £26.00 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is £20.46 - £22.17 per hour, inclusive of holiday.

Benefits: £250 Training Allowance, dedicated specialist consultant, daily payroll runs, free candidate registration, referral and loyalty bonus schemes, sign-up bonus, and free compliance checks.

Work full-time, Monday to Friday, in a supportive environment with ongoing professional development.