Housing Options Officer

4Recruitment Services Ltd; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

4Recruitment Services Ltd is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a busy homelessness service based in Maidenhead. You will manage homelessness caseloads from triage through to final decisions, applying the HRA and related guidance with robust, legally sound letters.

The role requires undertaking assessments and interviews, liaising with external agencies, and providing housing advice while maintaining accurate records. Hybrid working is available with some office attendance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Housing Options Officer or similar homelessness role.
• Strong knowledge of the Housing Reduction Act (HRA).
• Understanding of homelessness legislation, case law and statutory guidance.
• Experience drafting homelessness decision letters.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload from triage to final homelessness decision.
• Undertake homelessness assessments, investigations and interviews.
• Apply HRA and statutory guidance to assessments.
• Progress cases through prevention, relief and main duty.
• Prepare clear, legally sound decision letters.
• Advise on temporary accommodation options.
• Liaise with external agencies and professionals.
• Maintain accurate case records.
• Provide housing advice and explore options with applicants.
• Participate in telephone duty rota.

Skills

Case management

Interviewing

Legal letter drafting

Stakeholder liaison

Triage

Decision making

Job description

4Recruitment Services are seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a busy and expanding homelessness service based in Maidenhead.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced housing professional who can confidently manage homelessness cases from initial triage and assessment through to final homelessness decisions,

The successful candidate will have strong working knowledge of the Housing Reduction Act (HRA) and relevant homelessness legislation and case law, with the ability to independently investigate cases, undertake assessments and make robust statutory decisions.

The role allows hybrid working, with an expected minimum office attendance of 1 day per week. Business needs may require increased office attendance from time to time, and flexibility around working arrangements will therefore be required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Manage your own caseload of homelessness applications from initial triage through to final decision.
• Undertake comprehensive homelessness assessments, investigations and fact-finding interviews.
• Apply relevant homelessness legislation, case law and statutory guidance when assessing applications.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the five homelessness tests and their application to individual cases.
• Progress cases through the prevention, relief and main duty stages.
• Prepare clear, accurate and legally sound homelessness decision letters.
• Make appropriate recommendations regarding temporary accommodation.
• Identify and respond appropriately to complex and high-risk cases.
• Liaise effectively with a range of external agencies and professionals, including GPs, mental health teams, probation services and other support agencies.
• Gather and assess relevant information and evidence to support statutory decisions.
• Provide appropriate housing advice and explore suitable housing options with applicants.
• Participate in the telephone duty rota, responding to incoming homelessness enquiries and providing appropriate advice and assistance.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive case records in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
• Manage a demanding caseload effectively while maintaining high standards of customer service and decision-making.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Proven experience working as a Housing Options Officer or in a comparable homelessness/housing advice role.
• Strong knowledge and practical understanding of the Housing Reduction Act (HRA).
• A comprehensive understanding of homelessness legislation, relevant case law and statutory guidance.
• Strong knowledge of the five homelessness tests and how they apply to individual cases.
• Experience managing homelessness applications through the prevention, relief and main duty stages.
• Experience conducting homelessness assessments, investigations and interviews.
• Experience drafting clear and legally robust homelessness decision letters.

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. 4Recruitment Services is an equal opportunities employer.