Housing Options Officer

People First; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Free parking

Wellbeing support

Salary supplement for out-of-hours

Job summary

Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer to work with residents facing homelessness or eviction, offering practical advice and personalised housing plans. Based at Sevenoaks offices, you’ll prevent homelessness, support at-risk individuals, and help them achieve stability and independence.

The role involves collaborating with internal teams and external partners, delivering a person-centred service, and contributing to duty compliance under Housing Act and related

Qualifications

• Experience in homelessness prevention or housing advice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload under pressure.
• Negotiation and influencing skills to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Competent IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Office and housing case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Providing advice and support to customers at risk of homelessness or facing eviction, helping to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Assessing housing needs and creating Personalised Housing Plans in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Investigating homelessness applications and making decisions in accordance with housing legislation.
• Working with private landlords and tenants through the Sevenoaks Landlords Hub, securing and maintaining quality private rented housing.
• Placing individuals in emergency and temporary accommodation, ensuring suitable placements and follow-up support.
• Building effective relationships with internal teams and external partners such as housing associations and statutory services.
• Supporting housing-related projects and initiatives across the District.
• Participating in the Housing Options and Support Out of Hours Service on a rota basis (with a salary supplement).

Skills

Housing legislation

Hol homelessness prevention

Communication

Organisational skills

Negotiation

IT skills

Job description

We’re committed to preventing homelessness and ensuring safe, sustainable housing solutions for everyone in our community.

The Housing Options and Support team plays a vital frontline role, providing practical support, expert advice, and life-changing interventions to help single rough sleepers and sofa surfers to find a new home.

As a Housing Options Officer, you’ll work with individuals across the District who are facing housing difficulties or at risk of homelessness. Your work will have a direct and lasting impact; preventing crises, supporting vulnerable residents, and helping people find stability and independence.

Everything you need to know

This is a rewarding and varied opportunity for a customer-focused housing professional. Based at our Sevenoaks offices, you’ll work as part of a dedicated and supportive team, offering proactive housing advice and practical solutions to prevent homelessness.

You’ll ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, while also delivering compassionate, person-centred support.

What you’ll be doing

• Providing advice and support to customers at risk of homelessness or facing eviction, helping to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Assessing housing needs and creating Personalised Housing Plans in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Investigating homelessness applications and making decisions in accordance with housing legislation.
• Working with private landlords and tenants through the Sevenoaks Landlords Hub, securing and maintaining quality private rented housing.
• Placing individuals in emergency and temporary accommodation, ensuring suitable placements and follow-up support.
• Building effective relationships with internal teams (Council Tax, Private Sector Housing, Benefits) and external partners such as housing associations, voluntary organisations and statutory services.
• Supporting housing-related projects and initiatives across the District.
• Participating in the Housing Options and Support Out of Hours Service on a rota basis (with a salary supplement).

What you’ll bring to the role

• In-depth knowledge of housing legislation, particularly the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Experience in homelessness prevention, housing advice, or a related area.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to handle complex and sensitive situations calmly and professionally.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload under pressure.
• Negotiation and influencing skills to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Competent IT skills, with experience using Microsoft Office and housing case management systems.
• A proactive, flexible and team-focused approach to work.

Why work with us?

We’re proud to be a high-performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people-first service. You’ll be joining a team that cares deeply about its work and is committed to learning, development, and continuous improvement. You’ll be supported to make decisions, take initiative, and grow your career in housing.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll join a dynamic and forward-thinking team delivering services that matter. Every day is different, and the impact you’ll have on people’s quality of life is immediate and rewarding.

We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation – our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 28 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Equal Opportunities

Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District 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.

Sevenoaks District Council - main offices

Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HG, United Kingdom

[phone]