Housing Options Officer

CIH International Housing Group; Taunton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Health & wellbeing

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is hiring a Housing Options Officer in Taunton to help prevent homelessness and secure safe housing for residents at risk. You’ll assess needs, identify practical solutions, and coordinate with landlords and support services to achieve positive outcomes.

The role demands empathy, strong decision-making and a commitment to safeguarding while delivering high-quality customer service. The post offers a permanent contract, 37 hours, a generous leave package and a robust pension,

Qualifications

• Experience helping people facing homelessness or housing insecurity with empathy.
• Understanding of homelessness, housing and tenancy law.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a busy caseload and make evidence-based decisions.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach with resilience.

Responsibilities

• Identify practical solutions to help residents stay or secure accommodation.
• Manage a varied caseload, assessments and informed decisions.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, support organisations and partner agencies to reduce homelessness.
• Develop personalised plans with residents to support long-term housing stability.
• Provide expert advice on housing matters while maintaining high customer service and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Complex cases experience

Housing legislation knowledge

Communication & negotiation

Caseload management

Solution-focused resilience

Job description

Salary: Grade 12 - £29,542 to £33,119 per annum

Retention payment - £4,451, paid in accordance with the Council's retention scheme for this role.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week

Location: Taunton

Closing Date: 11th October

About the Role

Our Housing Options Team plays a vital role in supporting people across Somerset who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Working closely with residents, landlords, support services and community partners, the team helps people find safe, sustainable housing solutions and access the support they need.

As a Housing Options Officer, you'll be at the heart of helping people through some of the most challenging times in their lives. You'll work directly with residents to explore housing options, prevent homelessness wherever possible and secure positive outcomes for those in need of support. Joining a knowledgeable and supportive team, you'll use your problem-solving skills, professional judgement and partnership working experience to make a genuine difference to individuals, families and communities across Somerset. This is a rewarding opportunity to combine expertise with compassion while helping shape better housing outcomes for local people.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Support residents at risk of homelessness by identifying practical solutions that help them remain in or secure suitable accommodation.
• Manage a varied caseload, carrying out assessments and making informed decisions that ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, support organisations and partner agencies to achieve positive housing outcomes and reduce homelessness.
• Develop personalised plans with residents, empowering them to take steps towards long‑term housing stability and independence.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on housing matters while maintaining high standards of customer service and safeguarding.

What You'll Bring

• Experience of working with people facing complex or difficult circumstances, with the ability to provide a professional, empathetic and customer‑focused service.
• Good knowledge of homelessness, housing and tenancy‑related legislation, or the ability to quickly apply specialist housing knowledge in practice.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
• The ability to manage a busy caseload, prioritise competing demands and make sound decisions based on evidence and professional judgement.
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach, with the resilience to overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes for residents.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK’s most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-counci…

Further Information

Interview Dates: W/C 19th October

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Samantha Milner, Service Manager at [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0188 G12 - Housing Options Officer (1).pdf

If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.