Move on Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

LGPS pension scheme

28 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Move On Officer to support households in temporary accommodation toward settled housing. You will work directly with customers and partners to remove barriers, offer tailored housing advice, and develop personalised plans to enable independent, stable futures.

Join a team focused on preventing homelessness, delivering practical support, and coordinating resettlement with landlords and services across Somerset.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of housing legislation relating to homelessness, housing advice and allocations.
• Understanding of housing and support needs of people experiencing homelessness or instability.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits, health and wellbeing services.
• Experience working with vulnerable customers and delivering advice in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Support households in temporary accommodation to move into long-term housing.
• Identify and address barriers to securing settled accommodation.
• Provide advice on housing options including social housing, supported accommodation and private rentals.
• Develop personalised support plans to achieve move-on outcomes.
• Coordinate with internal teams, landlords and partner agencies to secure opportunities.
• Refer to specialist services and assist with accessing benefits and other resources.
• Explain tenancy responsibilities and help create sustainable housing outcomes.
• Undertake statutory homelessness processes and maintain records.
• Contribute to service improvement by sharing learnings and developing solutions.

Skills

Housing legislation knowledge

Homelessness awareness

Benefits and welfare understanding

Communication skills

Negotiation and relationship-building

Organisational skills

Proactive problem-solving

Customer-focused approach

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Job description

Salary: Grade 12 - £29,542 to £33,119 per annum

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 2 years

Hours: 37 hours per week

About the Role

As a Move On Officer within Somerset Council's Housing Service, you'll play a vital role in supporting households living in temporary accommodation to secure and sustain settled housing. Working directly with customers and partner organisations, you'll help remove barriers to move-on, reduce time spent in temporary accommodation, and support people to build stable futures within their communities.

This is a rewarding and varied role where you'll work with a wide range of individuals and families, providing practical advice, housing support and tailored interventions. Your work will directly contribute to preventing homelessness, creating sustainable housing outcomes and helping residents achieve greater independence and wellbeing.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Support households living in temporary accommodation to move into suitable long-term housing.
• Identify and address barriers that may prevent customers from securing settled accommodation.
• Provide advice on housing options, including social housing, supported accommodation and the private rented sector.
• Develop and deliver personalised support plans that help customers achieve successful move-on outcomes.
• Work closely with internal teams, landlords, housing providers and partner agencies to secure accommodation opportunities.
• Coordinate practical resettlement support, including referrals to specialist services and assistance with accessing benefits and other resources.
• Support customers to understand and manage tenancy responsibilities, helping to create sustainable housing outcomes.
• Undertake statutory homelessness processes, maintain accurate records and carry out home visits when required.
• Contribute to service improvement by identifying trends, sharing learning and developing creative solutions to move-on challenges.

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge of housing legislation relating to homelessness, housing advice and allocations.
• An understanding of the housing and support needs of people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Knowledge of wider support services, including welfare benefits, health and wellbeing services.
• Experience of working with vulnerable customers and providing advice and support in challenging situations.
• Experience of managing expectations and delivering positive outcomes in a customer-focused environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• A proactive, resilient and solution-focused approach to overcoming barriers and supporting positive change.
• A‑Level qualifications (or equivalent) or significant relevant experience gained within a similar frontline service.

The following would be advantageous

• Experience within a housing association, local authority housing service or similar organisation.
• An understanding of temporary accommodation and move-on processes.
• A professional Housing qualification.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 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

This role can be based at any Somerset Council office location, with hybrid working arrangements available in line with service requirements. Occasional travel across Somerset will be required to attend meetings, undertake property visits and support customers.

A DBS check is required for this role, and applicants must hold a full UK driving licence.

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, Sam Wenden-de-Lira, Head of Service by emailing [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: TR0290 Move on Officer