Housing Options Team Leader

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council; Epsom; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council is seeking a proactive Housing Options Manager to lead its Housing Options team within the Housing and Homelessness service. You will oversee a busy, statutory homelessness and housing options function with a focus on prevention and relief, ensuring compliance with relevant housing legislation and regulations.

The successful candidate will manage complex cases, liaise with partner services, and drive delivery of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Local Housing Authority role is essential.
• Strong understanding of housing legislation and case law.
• Ability to lead a busy Housing Options team and ensure statutory duties are met.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Housing Options team comprising 8 officers.
• Ensure applications are taken, investigated and determined under Housing Act 1996 and amendments.
• Liaise with Independent Review Service, Legal Services and Housing Options Officers; monitor deadlines.

Skills

Housing policy knowledge

Stakeholder liaison

Mediation skills

Coaching skills

Job description

At Epsom & Ewell, we aspire to deliver high-quality services to our residents. We might be small, but we have significant levels of homelessness with equally big plans to support those at risk of homelessness. We have been investing in our future, increasing strategic capacity and exploring new ways of working.

This role is a crucial part of our Housing and Homelessness service, leading our busy Housing Options team in delivering objectives set out in our Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy and Action Plan.

You will manage our and responsive and comprehensive statutory homelessness and housing options service, with a strong focus on homelessness prevention and relief. Ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with experience of working in a similar role in a Local Housing Authority and a good understanding of housing legislation and case law to lead our busy Housing Options team. Previous similar experience within a demanding housing environment is essential to ensure the Council delivers a legally robust and compliant service.

You will lead the Housing Option team, consisting of 8 officers and report to the Strategic Housing Manager. You will ensure applications are taken, investigated, determined appropriately under the terms of the Housing Act 1996 as amended, Homelessness Act 2002, Localism Act 2011, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Code of Guidance, case law and the Council’s own policies.

In addition, you will assess and reach decisions on complex cases, prepare cases and liaise with the Independent Review Service, Legal Services and Housing Options Officers, ensuring correct procedures and correspondence has been sent and that cases are recorded and that deadlines are monitored.

The service is fast paced and deals with very challenging, complex and difficult clients at times. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to lead the team and have excellent mediation and coaching skills to build up a positive rapport with clients that motivates them to take responsibility for their own situation and work with the Council.

This vacancy is an exciting opportunity to be part of a professional, friendly and committed team and we look forward to receiving your application. For further details please contact Arjan de Jong, Strategic Housing Manager, at [e-mail]

Interviews/ assessments: Wednesday 28 th October 2026

Local Government Reorganisation

Local government in Surrey is expected to change in April 2027, with new unitary councils being created to deliver all local services. While these changes are taking place, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council remains committed to providing excellent services and investing in its people.

Most roles and services will continue under the new arrangements, and the majority of employees are expected to transfer to the new authority on their existing terms and conditions. Joining us now offers the opportunity to contribute during an exciting period of change while developing your career in local government.