Housing Options Officer

Trafford Council; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Leave

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension

Job summary

Trafford Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer in the Housing Options Team based in Sale. You will deliver homelessness prevention and housing-related support, handling customer enquiries and making decisions under relevant legislation.

The role requires 1–2 years' relevant experience, knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act, and strong IT and communication skills. You will work flexibly and may conduct home visits as part of a busy, multi-agency environment.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years' experience in homelessness prevention or housing-related support.
• Knowledge of the Homeless Reduction Act and relevant legislation.
• Experience working in a multi-functional team with partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle interviews with customers (in person or by phone).
• Proficiency with IT packages, databases, and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Respond to customer enquiries and prevent homelessness through practical solutions.
• Conduct customer interviews and assess best interests under policy and legislation.
• Draft standard and non-standard documentation using corporate templates and reports.
• Carry out home visits in line with procedures and risk assessments.
• Work both independently under pressure and as part of a team to meet deadlines.

Skills

Homelessness prevention

Customer service

Interviews

Teamwork

IT literacy

Tools

Databases

Spreadsheets

CMS/Templates

Job description

Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week

Fixed Term End Date: 12 months from start date

Interview Date/Type: Face to face

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

We currently have an exciting vacancy within the Housing Options Team based in Sale. In the role of a Housing Options Officer, you will contribute towards the efficient and effective management of the Housing Options Service through various channels including the promotion and maintenance of excellent standards of customer service based on service provision. You will deal with enquiries that assist customers with individual queries, prevention of homelessness and make decisions around homelessness.

About You

We are looking for someone with 1/2 years’ experience working in a similar environment delivering homelessness prevention and housing related support services. You must have up to date knowledge and experience of the Homeless Reduction Act and associated legislation relevant to addressing homelessness prevention and managing homelessness, with proven experience of working within a multi-functional team and with partners and key stakeholders. We also want people with experience of successfully meeting individual set targets in a high-pressured environment that delivers lean and efficient services whilst delivering high levels of performance. The role requires conducting interviews with customers, face to face or by telephone to ensure solutions are offered in the best interest of the customer in accordance with policy, best practice and relevant legislation. Knowledge of Trafford’s Allocations Policy and Choice Based Lettings systems would also be beneficial.

Drive, determination and excellent relationship skills are also important so if you think you have what we’re looking for.

You must be proficient in the use of IT software packages, including databases and the use of spreadsheets, inputting and calculating with accuracy and be able to communicate effectively with clients either verbally or in writing and to establish excellent working relationships with colleagues at all levels.

We are looking for someone with the ability to work independently under pressure and to plan and prioritise own workload to meet own and team deadlines and changes in priority, with the ability to draft standard and non-standard documentation using corporate templates, reports and spreadsheets, accurately, efficiently and with minimal supervision.

You must be able to work as part of a team and on own initiative, including the ability to respond independently to unexpected problems and situations. You will be expected to carry out home visits.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, Alison Dann at [e-mail]

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let's Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers' scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

• Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.

We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]

After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.

Supporting Documents

Housing Options Officer Role Profile