Housing Options Team Leader

Carrington West; Braintree; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Frontline homelessness service impact

Short-term contract

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Housing Options Team Leader in Braintree. This hybrid role requires 3 days on-site with a competitive hourly rate and a 3-month contract.

You will lead a responsive Housing Options and Homelessness service, ensuring effective prevention and relief, while supervising staff and deputising for the Housing Options Manager as needed. The position emphasizes strong knowledge of relevant housing legislation and collaboration with agencies.

Qualifications

• Experience in Housing Options and Homelessness Services (local authority preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Localism Act 2011, and HRA 2017.
• Ability to interpret homelessness legislation and case law.
• Experience managing staff and maintaining high service standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Housing Options Officers and Triage Officers to deliver high-quality service.
• Oversee complex homelessness cases and provide professional guidance.
• Monitor casework quality, decision-making and service performance with QA checks.
• Collaborate with statutory agencies, housing providers and voluntary organisations.
• Deputise for Housing Options Manager and contribute to service improvements.

Skills

Housing options experience

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Policy knowledge

Job description

Housing Options Team Leader

Braintree, Essex | Hybrid - 3 days on-site
Rate: £45.00 per hour (Umbrella)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Initial Contract Length: 3 months
Working Hours: Full-time - 36 Hours
Closing Date: 12 November 2026

Role Summary

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of a responsive, customer-focused and legally compliant Housing Options and Homelessness Service, ensuring effective homelessness prevention and relief.

This role involves supervising Housing Options Officers, overseeing complex casework, monitoring performance and deputising for the Housing Options Manager when required.

What You Will Do as a Housing Options Team Leader

• Lead and support Housing Options Officers and Triage Officers, ensuring high-quality service delivery and effective team performance.
• Oversee complex and sensitive homelessness cases, providing professional guidance and ensuring compliance with statutory duties.
• Monitor casework quality, decision-making and service performance, implementing quality assurance checks.
• Support partnership working with statutory agencies, housing providers and voluntary organisations.
• Deputise for the Housing Options Manager, providing operational oversight and contributing to service improvements.

What You Will Need as a Housing Options Team Leader

• Proven experience within Housing Options and Homelessness Services, ideally in a local authority setting.
• Excellent knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Localism Act 2011 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Strong ability to interpret and apply complex homelessness legislation and case law.
• Demonstrable experience managing, motivating and supervising staff while maintaining high service standards.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and customer service skills, with a calm, professional and non-judgemental approach.

What's on Offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £40.00-£45.00 (Umbrella).
• Initial 3-month full-time contract with a hybrid working arrangement (3 days per week in the office).
• Opportunity to lead a frontline homelessness service and make a meaningful difference to vulnerable households.