Housing Options Officer
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Housing Options Officer
Location: South West England
Directorate: Housing / Communities
Reports to: Housing Options Manager
Salary: Competitive hourly rate / umbrella
Contract: Interim / 6 Months
Job Purpose
To deliver a high-quality, customer-focused Housing Options service, providing advice, assessment, and casework in line with statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. The postholder will work proactively to prevent homelessness, reduce the use of temporary accommodation, and support residents to access sustainable housing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a comprehensive Housing Options service, including prevention, relief, and homelessness assessments
- Manage a caseload of applicants, ensuring timely and legally compliant decisions
- Develop and issue Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) tailored to individual needs
- Undertake statutory duties including s.184 decisions, s.189A assessments, and duty discharges
- Work proactively to prevent homelessness through early intervention and negotiation
- Minimise the use of temporary accommodation by identifying suitable housing options
- Liaise with landlords, Registered Providers, support agencies, and internal teams to secure housing solutions
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and audit-ready case records
- Contribute to service performance targets and continuous improvement initiatives
- Respond to enquiries, complaints, and Member/MP cases in a professional manner
Key Outcomes
- Reduction in homelessness presentations and repeat cases
- Increased prevention and relief success rates
- Timely and legally robust decision-making
- Reduced reliance on temporary accommodation
- Positive customer outcomes and satisfaction
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge & Experience
- Working knowledge of homelessness legislation, including the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Experience managing a housing options or homelessness caseload
- Experience making legally sound decisions and writing decision letters
- Understanding of safeguarding, equality, and vulnerability in housing contexts
- Experience working in a local authority or similar environment
Skills & Competencies
- Strong case management and organisational skills
- Ability to assess complex situations and make defensible decisions
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
- IT proficiency, including housing management systems
Desirable
- Experience with temporary accommodation placements
- Knowledge of welfare benefits and affordability assessments
- CIH qualification or equivalent experience
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working (office/community/home-based as required)
- Occasional travel within the South West region
- Requirement to attend court, meetings, or outreach as needed
Values & Behaviours
- Customer-focused and solution-driven
- Professional, accountable, and resilient
- Collaborative approach to partnership working
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Safeguarding
The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The postholder is expected to share this commitment.
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