Housing Options Officer

We are recruiting an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a customer-focused Homelessness and Housing Advice Service in Solihull.

This is an initial 13-week temporary assignment, running until the end of January 2027, with the potential for extension.

You will support individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, providing expert housing advice, conducting statutory assessments and managing complex cases from initial contact through to conclusion.

The successful candidate will have a strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, proven experience making statutory decisions and the ability to identify appropriate housing solutions for people facing challenging circumstances.

Key Responsibilities of a Housing Options Officer:

• Conduct homelessness interviews and undertake detailed assessments of applicants'' housing circumstances, support needs and eligibility for assistance.
• Manage complex homelessness cases in accordance with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
• Apply the statutory prevention and relief duties, including assessing applicants who are threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
• Complete assessments and develop personalised housing plans in line with Section 189A of the Housing Act 1996.
• Determine and apply the relevant statutory duties, including the prevention duty under Section 195, the relief duty under Section 189B and, where applicable, the main housing duty under Section 193.
• Assess applicants'' eligibility for assistance, homelessness status, priority need and whether homelessness has been intentional, where relevant to the statutory decision.
• Consider local connection and potential referrals to other local housing authorities in accordance with the relevant legislation.
• Make clear, evidence-based and legally compliant decisions, ensuring applicants are informed of the outcome and their review rights where applicable.
• Identify suitable accommodation options and take reasonable steps to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide face-to-face housing advice and practical support to vulnerable individuals and families.
• Maintain accurate case records, prepare decision letters and ensure all casework is completed in line with statutory timescales and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes for customers.
• Participate in the frontline duty rota, providing a responsive and professional service to customers attending the office.

• Previous experience working as a Housing Options Officer or in a comparable statutory homelessness role within a local authority.
• Demonstrable experience making statutory homelessness decisions under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Strong working knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, including prevention and relief duties, assessments and personalised housing plans.
• Understanding of statutory homelessness assessments, including eligibility, priority need, intentional homelessness, local connection and the main housing duty.
• Experience managing complex cases involving individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Knowledge of the Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities and the importance of making lawful, evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent interviewing, communication, negotiation and case management skills.
• A proactive, organised and customer-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Availability to work from the office approximately two days per week on a duty rota basis.
• Ability to travel across the district as required. Access to a car is preferable.