Housing Options Officer (Temporary) – Statutory Decisions

Niyaa People; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Niyaa People is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a customer-focused Homelessness and Housing Advice Service in Solihull. The role is a 13-week temporary assignment, running until the end of January 2027, with potential for extension.

You will support individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, providing expert housing advice and managing complex cases. The successful candidate will apply homelessness legislation, determine statutory duties,

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Housing Options Officer or similar statutory homelessness role in local authority.
• Experience making statutory homelessness decisions under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 including prevention and relief duties.
• Understanding of statutory homelessness assessments: eligibility, priority need, intentional homelessness, local connection, main housing duty.
• Experience managing complex homelessness cases (individuals and families).
• Knowledge of the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities and of lawful, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent interviewing, communication, negotiation and case management skills.
• Proactive, organised, customer-focused with ability to manage priorities and work independently.
• Availability to work from the office approximately two days per week on a duty rota.
• Ability to travel across the district; access to a car preferable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct homelessness interviews and detailed assessments of applicants' housing circumstances and eligibility.
• Manage complex homelessness cases under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Apply prevention and relief duties, including assessing threats of homelessness within 56 days.
• Develop personalised housing plans in line with Section 189A of the Housing Act 1996.
• Determine and apply duties (prevention, relief, main housing duty where applicable).
• Assess eligibility, homelessness status, priority need and intentional homelessness.
• Consider local connection and referrals to other authorities.
• Make evidence-based, legally compliant decisions and inform applicants of outcomes and review rights.
• Identify suitable housing options and take steps to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide face-to-face housing advice and practical support to vulnerable customers.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure timely casework.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve positive outcomes.
• Participate in frontline duty rota to provide responsive service.

Skills

Interviewing

Communication

Negotiation

Case management

Customer-focused

Organised

Job description

Niyaa People is seeking an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a customer-focused Homelessness and Housing Advice Service in Solihull. The role is a 13-week temporary assignment, running until the end of January 2027, with potential for extension.

You will support individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, providing expert housing advice and managing complex cases. The successful candidate will apply homelessness legislation, determine statutory duties,