Senior Housing Officer

Durham County Council; Seaham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Senior Housing Officers to join their team. In this pivotal role, you will investigate housing applications and provide essential support to prevent homelessness. With a commitment to social responsibility, the organization offers a hybrid working model, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in the community and ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the assistance they need. Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Benefits

27 days holiday per year

Option to purchase additional leave

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working model

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Portal

Learning and development opportunities

Discounted gym membership

Employee Benefits Portal

Trade Union membership

Qualifications

• Experience in housing, homelessness, or care-related services.
• Knowledge of relevant housing legislation.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and confirm decisions on housing applications.
• Provide advice to customers to prevent homelessness.

Skills

Knowledge of Housing Act 1996

Experience in homelessness services

Customer service skills

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Education

NVQ Level 3

Job description

We have an opportunity for 3 X Senior Housing Officers to join the team until 31 March 2027.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
You will be responsible for investigating and confirming decisions following applications to the authority under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and the assisted prevention of homelessness.

You will manage the day-to-day provision of advice and assistance to customers on housing options in order to prevent homelessness and minimise housing need.

We encourage you to contact Thomas Graham, Housing Team Leader via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will have a NVQ Level 3 or equivalent together with experience of working within a housing, homelessness or care related service.

You will have knowledge of the Housing Act 1996, Part VII (Homelessness Act 2002) & Homeless Reduction Act 2017 and experience of providing support to vulnerable groups.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits

SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers

HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.

We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 19 May 2025.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.

If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on [e-mail] or telephone [phone] – Option 5

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM [e-mail] AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.

We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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