Job Description

We're looking for a proactive and experienced Housing Options Officer to join a local authority's Housing and Property Directorate. This pivotal role will support the council's mission to prevent homelessness by delivering a high-quality housing options and advice service. As a Housing Options Officer, you will guide clients in finding sustainable housing solutions, provide comprehensive advice, and ensure the council's legal obligations under the Housing Act and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 are met.

The Role
Homelessness Prevention: Work closely with clients at risk of homelessness to assess, advise, and assist with securing long-term housing solutions, including support to retain existing accommodations or secure alternative housing.
Case Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of homelessness applications under the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, ensuring timely compliance with statutory requirements.
Client Advocacy: Develop Personal Housing Plans tailored to clients' needs, coordinating with health, employment, and education providers to improve overall support.
Landlord & Agency Negotiation: Collaborate with landlords, family members, and support agencies to negotiate viable housing arrangements, and facilitate referrals to private rented sector and supported housing providers as needed.
Financial Assessment & Support: Perform financial assessments to ensure clients' accommodations are affordable, working with welfare services to maximize income through benefits and other financial aid.

The Ideal Candidate
Relevant Experience: Background in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or tenancy relations, with experience supporting vulnerable clients.
Legislative Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and relevant housing and welfare benefits.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess complex cases, provide accurate legal advice, and develop constructive solutions for clients in challenging housing situations.
Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, capable of engaging empathetically with clients and collaborating effectively with partners and team members.
Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented with excellent case management abilities to keep records updated and maintain high service standards.

What You Need to Do Now

If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please send us your application today. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please click APPLY NOW.

If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.

Footnote
If you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status.
Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market. For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed).
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.