Housing Options Officer-Displaced People

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking a Housing Options Officer to support refugees and other displaced people in securing suitable accommodation. You will assess housing needs, work with landlords and partners, and provide practical advice to prevent homelessness while addressing wider challenges such as finances and wellbeing.

The role offers flexible, hybrid working arrangements, a 37-hour week, and a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028. Closing date 8 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people in housing or homelessness or related casework.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with residents and partners.
• Ability to assess complex situations and make practical housing decisions.
• Experience managing competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of housing or related legislation, or willingness to learn quickly.

Responsibilities

• Help residents explore options and develop practical plans to secure or retain housing.
• Collaborate with landlords and support agencies to prevent homelessness.
• Make informed decisions on housing applications and provide timely support.
• Connect residents with services addressing finances, wellbeing or safety needs.
• Identify sustainable long-term housing solutions for individuals and families.

Skills

Housing support

Casework

Communication

Teamwork

Decision making

Job description

Salary: Grade 12 - £29,542 to £33,119 per annum with a retention allowance of £4451 until 31/12/28

Contract: This role is fixed term until 31st March 2028

Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 8th November 2026

About the Role

Our Refugee Housing Team provides vital support to people from displaced backgrounds who are building new lives in Somerset. Working with individuals and families arriving through refugee and resettlement schemes, the team helps people access and sustain suitable accommodation, ensuring they can settle safely and successfully within our communities.

As a Housing Options Officer, you'll play a key role in supporting refugees and other displaced people who are at risk of homelessness. With changes to national resettlement programmes, asylum dispersal arrangements and housing support schemes leading to increased demand, your work will be essential in helping vulnerable households navigate housing challenges and secure sustainable accommodation. Working alongside dedicated colleagues and partner organisations, you'll provide practical advice, housing solutions and tailored support that enables people to move forward with confidence. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference to individuals and families while contributing to an important and growing area of Somerset Council's work.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Support residents facing homelessness to explore their options and develop practical plans that help them secure or retain accommodation.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, support agencies and community partners to prevent homelessness and achieve positive housing outcomes.
• Make informed decisions on housing and homelessness applications, ensuring people receive fair and timely support.
• Connect residents with specialist services that help address wider challenges such as finances, wellbeing, domestic abuse or support needs.
• Help reduce the need for temporary accommodation by identifying sustainable, long-term housing solutions for individuals and families.

What You'll Bring

• Experience supporting people in housing, homelessness, customer-focused or other complex casework environments, particularly those facing challenging circumstances.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with residents, colleagues and partner organisations.
• The ability to assess complex situations, make sound decisions and find practical solutions that deliver positive outcomes.
• Experience managing competing priorities, maintaining accurate records and working to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A good understanding of homelessness, housing or related legislation and services, or the ability to quickly develop this knowledge through relevant experience.

Why Join Us?

• 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-council/

Further Information

You will need a valid driving licence and use of a vehicle for work

We will only be accepting complete applications (Cover letter + CV/Full online application)

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 Sarah Berry, Displaced People Officer 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.

Job Ref:1566/EF