Housing Options Officer

Rutland County Council; Oakham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oakham is looking for an innovative Housing Options Officer to join their team. The role involves managing housing applications, investigating cases of potential homelessness, and supporting customers in retaining their accommodation. Candidates should have experience in a Housing Options Team, possess knowledge of legislation, and demonstrate strong organizational skills. The position also offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, contributing to a supportive work environment with a commitment to staff wellbeing.

Benefits

Local Government Pension

Generous annual leave

Support for staff wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience of managing a housing register and statutory procedures.
• Ability to effectively manage cases.
• Experience of processing housing applications.

Responsibilities

• Support in delivering efficient Housing Options and Homelessness service.
• Assist customers to retain their existing accommodation.
• Investigate cases where there is a threat of homelessness.

Skills

Organised

Experience in Housing Options Team

Knowledge of Government Legislation

IT skills

Risk assessment

Job description

Are you committed to helping some of the most vulnerable members of the community? Do you have experience of managing a housing register and statutory procedures? We are looking for an innovative, experienced Housing Options Officer to join our Housing Options team.

About you…

To be successful you will need to be/have:

• Organised, creative and flexible in your approach
• Experience of working within a front-line Housing Options Team and delivering a quality housing options, homeless and advice service
• In-depth knowledge of Government Legislation and statutory procedures
• Experience of processing housing applications and Allocations
• Able to effectively manage cases and assess risk
• Good IT skills, able to keep records updated and provide regular service performance statistics
• Committed to developing strong working relationships internally and externally

About the role…

As a Housing Options Officer your duties will include:

• To support in delivering efficient and effective Housing Options, Homelessness and Prevention service
• Assist and support customers to retain their existing accommodation, ensure appropriate signposting to partner agencies
• Support the Homes for Ukraine Scheme for Guests to secure more permanent housing should they wish to remain living in the County
• To investigate cases where there is a threat of homelessness
• Create and maintain accurate and up to date records of client’s details
• Liaise with all Register Providers, private landlords and other agencies

You will also support and work alongside the Senior Housing Options Officer in representing Housing at meetings both internally and externally along with having experience of working across wider Council departments to assist in the prevention of homelessness.

The successful applicant for this post will be subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The cost of this is paid for by us.

The Housing Options Officer interviews will take place during week commencing 19 January 2025. These will be face-to-face interviews at Rutland County Council offices in Oakham.

We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and inviting those who meet our essential person specification criteria to interview. If you’re interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply without delay.

Our offer to you:

Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service.

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.

Find out more:

To learn more about working with us visit https://jobs.rutland.gov.uk or if you have any queries about this role please contact Shakil Seedat, Senior Housing Options Officer at: [e-mail] or on 01572 720 918 or Heidi Coleman, Housing Options, Homelessness and Resettlement Manager at: [e-mail]

How to apply:

Click on the apply button which will redirect you to the Jobs Go Public (JGP site) where we handle all our vacancies. If you already have a JGP account you will be asked to login, or alternatively if you don’t have an account, you will be guided through the set up process. Access to an account is necessary, as all updates regarding your application will be sent via the JGP site to the email you have used to register.

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process, please call us on 01572 758291 or email us at [e-mail].

All recruitment correspondence, including interview details, will be sent out via email from the Jobs Go Public site. If you require documentation/correspondence in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Equality and diversity

Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.