Housing Options Officer

Sevenoaks District Council; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Free parking

Enhanced leave

LGPS pension

BUPA assistance

Job summary

The Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer to prevent homelessness and provide frontline housing advice. Based at Sevenoaks offices, you’ll work with individuals at risk of homelessness, delivering person-centred support and practical solutions.

You’ll assess housing needs, develop Personalised Housing Plans, and collaborate with landlords, welfare teams and partners to secure safe, sustainable housing for residents across the district.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 (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).

Skills

Housing legislation

Homelessness prevention

Communication

Organization

Negotiation

IT skills

Tools

Housing case management systems

Job description

Salary: £36,323 - £39,263

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


• Extra Christmas closure day


• Hybrid working


• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme


• 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

Closing date:

15th November

Interviews:

Week commencing 23rd November

Salary: £36,323 - £39,263