Housing Options Officer

Zohorecruit; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 Week Contract

Bi-Weekly Pay

Hybrid Working (Primarily Remote)

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting a Housing Options Officer for Somerset Council on a 10-week contract. The role focuses on homelessness prevention, housing advice, and statutory decisions, with a hybrid working pattern (primarily remote) and occasional site visits within Somerset.

The role requires experience in housing options, strong communication, and the ability to manage complex cases, with a driving licence and access to a vehicle. A multi-agency collaborative approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and conduct detailed investigations.
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
• Experience in Housing Options, Homelessness, Housing Advice, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing advice to individuals facing homelessness or at risk.
• Assist applicants in securing and maintaining housing and explain rights and legislation.
• Conduct homelessness assessments and develop personalised housing plans.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and statutory services to prevent homelessness.
• Process housing applications and maintain accurate records.
• Work with private rented sector access and housing benefit teams.
• Record actions and decisions in case management systems; ensure GDPR compliance.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Caseload management

Investigation/assessment

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Tools

Case management systems

Job description

Charlcombe, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Housing Options Officer – 10 Week Contract

Contract: 10 Week Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid (Primarily Remote)

Summary

Somerset Council is on the lookout for a skilled Housing Options Officer to join our team on a 10-week contract. This pivotal role involves providing essential advice and support to individuals facing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. The primary goal is to prevent homelessness by exploring viable housing solutions, assessing statutory obligations, and collaborating with various agencies to secure long-term housing stability. While the position is mainly remote, occasional home visits within the designated area are necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Advice & Homelessness Prevention

• Offer guidance to those who are homeless or at risk.
  
• Clarify housing rights, options, tenure rights, and relevant legislation.
  
• Assist applicants in securing and maintaining appropriate housing.
  
• Communicate effectively through phone, email, letter, and in-person meetings.
  

Homelessness Assessments

• Conduct thorough assessments of housing situations and support needs.
  
• Identify causes of homelessness or potential threats.
  
• Perform investigations and verification checks.
  
• Collect supporting information from applicants and partner organizations.
  
• Create and update Personalised Housing Plans.
  
• Aid applicants in completing actions to prevent or alleviate homelessness.
  
• Ensure plans are realistic, achievable, and tailored to individual needs.
  

Statutory Decision Making

• Manage homelessness applications under:
  • Housing Act 1996
    
  • Homelessness Act 2002
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
• Prevention Duty
  
• Relief Duty
  
• Interim Accommodation Duty
  
• Deliver timely and legally compliant decisions.
  

Housing Applications & Allocations

• Process housing applications under Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings.
  
• Maintain accurate records and assessments.
  
• Ensure timely completion of applications.
  

Partnership Working

• Collaborate with:
  • Children's Services
    
  • Adult Social Care
    
  • Housing Benefits Teams
    
  • Registered Providers
    
  • Mental Health Services
    
  • DWP
    
  • Police
    
  • Substance Misuse Services
    
  • Domestic Abuse Services
    
  • Voluntary Organizations
    
• Refer to specialist support services as needed.
  

Private Rented Sector Access

• Help applicants secure private rented sector accommodations.
  
• Evaluate financial circumstances and eligibility for support schemes.
  
• Facilitate access to bond guarantee and rent deposit schemes.
  

Record Keeping & Case Management

• Maintain precise, evidence-based case records.
  
• Utilize case management systems for recording actions, decisions, and outcomes.
  
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and information governance standards.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Experience in Housing Options, Homelessness, Housing Advice, or a related field.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and conduct detailed investigations.
  
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
  
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records.
  
• Experience working sensitively with vulnerable individuals.
  
• Capability to build positive relationships with applicants and partner agencies.
  
• Skill in prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.
  
• Education to A-Level standard or equivalent experience.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.
  
• Familiarity with:
  • Housing Act 1996
    
  • Homelessness Act 2002
    
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
    
  • Suitability of Accommodation Order 2012
    
  • Landlord and Tenant Law
    
• Experience in:
  • Housing Options Teams
    
  • Local Authority Housing Services
    
  • Housing Associations
    
• Knowledge of homelessness prevention tools and housing solutions.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable households and complex needs.
  
• Understanding of housing allocations and choice-based lettings systems.
  

Additional Information

• Primarily remote work with occasional office attendance and home visits.
  
• Visits to applicants may be required across Somerset.
  
• Possible evening, weekend, and emergency response work.
  
• Full driving licence and vehicle access are essential.
  

What's on Offer?

• 10 Week Contract
  
• Hybrid Working (Primarily Remote)
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to impact homelessness prevention and housing outcomes directly.
  
• Diverse caseload involving individuals and families facing housing challenges.
  
• Collaborative role with a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector partners.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Advice Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Accommodation Officer, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Tenancy Sustainment Officer, or Housing Assessment Officer.