Housing Options Team Leader

London Borough of Merton; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Merton is seeking an experienced Senior Housing Options Adviser to lead the Housing Options Service, focusing on homelessness prevention and robust casework.

You will manage complex caseloads, provide guidance to Advisers, and work with internal teams, landlords and agencies to secure accommodation and deliver a high-quality service.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of complex homelessness and housing options cases, ensuring appropriate and timely action.
• Manage a Team of Housing Options Caseworkers
• Undertake detailed homelessness assessments and make robust decisions in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and Council policies.
• Develop effective Personalised Housing Plans and identify practical options to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide advice and guidance to Housing Options Advisers on complex cases, legislation, policy and good practice.
• Support the Team Manager with case reviews, quality assurance and performance monitoring.
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of the service, including responding to urgent cases and operational pressures.
• Support the induction, coaching and development of new and existing staff.
• Work effectively with internal services, landlords, accommodation providers, statutory agencies and voluntary-sector organisations.
• Identify opportunities to secure or maintain accommodation within the private rented sector.
• Ensure case records, decisions and correspondence are accurate, comprehensive and completed within required timescales.
• Respond professionally to escalated enquiries and contribute to responses to complaints, councillors and other stakeholders.
• Promote a customer-focused service while managing expectations and making clear, evidence-based decisions.

Job description

Advert Text

Housing Options Team Leader

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Senior Housing Options Adviser to join our Housing Options Service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced housing professional who has a strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and wants to take the next step in their career. You will play a key role in delivering a high-quality homelessness prevention and housing options service, managing complex cases while providing guidance and support to Housing Options Advisers.

Working in a busy frontline environment, you will ensure customers receive accurate, timely and solution-focused advice, with a strong emphasis on preventing and relieving homelessness wherever possible.

Key responsibilities

As a Senior Housing Options Adviser, You Will

• Manage a caseload of complex homelessness and housing options cases, ensuring appropriate and timely action.
• Manage a Team of Housing Options Caseworkers
• Undertake detailed homelessness assessments and make robust decisions in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and Council policies.
• Develop effective Personalised Housing Plans and identify practical options to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide advice and guidance to Housing Options Advisers on complex cases, legislation, policy and good practice.
• Support the Team Manager with case reviews, quality assurance and performance monitoring.
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of the service, including responding to urgent cases and operational pressures.
• Support the induction, coaching and development of new and existing staff.
• Work effectively with internal services, landlords, accommodation providers, statutory agencies and voluntary-sector organisations.
• Identify opportunities to secure or maintain accommodation within the private rented sector.
• Ensure case records, decisions and correspondence are accurate, comprehensive and completed within required timescales.
• Respond professionally to escalated enquiries and contribute to responses to complaints, councillors and other stakeholders.
• Promote a customer-focused service while managing expectations and making clear, evidence-based decisions.