Housing Options Officer

As a Housing Options Officer, you will assess housing needs, provide comprehensive housing advice, and work with customers to identify realistic housing options. You will have a key role in preventing homelessness by developing personalised housing plans and working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Interview and assess customers seeking housing assistance.
• Provide high-quality housing advice in line with current housing legislation and best practice.
• Carry out homelessness assessments and make statutory decisions.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans with customers.
• Negotiate with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to prevent homelessness wherever possible.
• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring accurate records and timely case management.
• Work closely with social services, support agencies, registered providers, and voluntary organisations.
• Ensure all decisions are lawful, evidence-based, and customer-focused.
• Contribute to safeguarding responsibilities and identify vulnerable customers requiring additional support.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing legislation, welfare reform, and local housing initiatives.

• Experience working in housing options, homelessness, housing management, or a related service.
• A sound understanding of homelessness legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Excellent interviewing, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with customers and partner organisations.
• The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of customer service.
• Experience maintaining accurate case records and preparing written decisions.
• Confidence using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.