Job Description

We're recruiting an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a busy Housing Service delivering homelessness prevention, statutory homelessness functions and supporting affordable housing outcomes.

This is a varied frontline role combining Housing Options and Part VII homelessness work with involvement in securing affordable housing delivery through Section 106 agreements. The successful candidate will manage a complex caseload, prevent homelessness wherever possible and contribute to maximising affordable housing outcomes through an understanding of viability assessments and close working with Legal and Planning colleagues.

Office presence is required at least once per week, and the role includes participation in a phone duty rota.

The Role
Deliver a comprehensive Housing Options and Homelessness Prevention service in line with statutory duties.
Provide face-to-face, telephone and online housing advice to customers experiencing housing difficulties.
Conduct housing needs assessments and explore all prevention options prior to progressing homelessness applications.
Assess homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, including acceptance, refusal and referrals to other authorities.
Make decisions regarding temporary accommodation placements and liaise with Housing Assistants to arrange sign-ups and benefit support where appropriate.
Manage a personal caseload, maintaining accurate and detailed case records in line with procedures and performance targets.
Investigate and seek to resolve landlord and tenant disputes, promoting awareness of rights and responsibilities.
Gather evidence in cases of harassment or illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and prepare prosecution files where required.
Provide expert housing advice, particularly to those living in the private rented sector, to prevent homelessness.
Play a key role in securing the best possible affordable housing outcomes from Section 106 agreements, including understanding viability assessments and working closely with Planning and Legal teams.
Respond to Members' enquiries and draft responses to complaints in line with procedures.
Deliver outreach visits to homes, prisons, hostels, hospitals and other relevant locations as required.
Participate in a pre-arranged phone duty rota and out-of-hours homelessness advice rota where applicable.
Achieve individual performance targets and contribute to team objectives.
Work collaboratively with internal departments and external agencies to maximise prevention outcomes.
Keep up to date with legislation, case law and best practice to ensure compliance.

Key Requirements
Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, particularly Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
Comprehensive understanding of homelessness prevention and Housing Options approaches.
Experience assessing homelessness applications and making statutory decisions.
Understanding of affordable housing delivery through Section 106 agreements and viability considerations.
Experience working with Planning or Legal colleagues in relation to housing delivery is desirable.
Experience managing complex caseloads and meeting performance targets.
Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.
Knowledge of landlord and tenant law, including illegal eviction and harassment provisions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including formal report writing.
Experience working in partnership with local authorities, housing providers and external agencies.
Ability to travel within the Borough and attend the office at least once per week.
Enhanced DBS required.

What You Need to Do Now
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today.

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 regularly recruit for Housing Options Officers, Homelessness Officers and Prevention Officers across the UK and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially.
Even if you are currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from experienced Housing Needs professionals looking to make future connections.
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.