Job Description

Housing Options Officer

Braintree Hybrid (2-3 days per week)
Rate: £31.00 per hour (Umbrella)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Initial Contract Length: 3 months
Start Date: ASAP
Working Hours: 36 Hours a week

You will assess housing need, provide specialist housing options advice, and play a key role in preventing and relieving homelessness. The role focuses on delivering a frontline, customer-focused housing advice service to individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties.

Where prevention options have been exhausted, you will undertake statutory homelessness investigations under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended), ensuring legal duties are met and robust s184 decisions are issued within required timescales.

What you will do as a Housing Options Officer

Provide a frontline housing advice and support service to customers across all tenures (in person and by telephone)
Participate in the Housing Options duty rota, including triage and emergency response
Take proactive steps to prevent and relieve homelessness through negotiation, referrals, and case management
Undertake financial and benefits assessments to support housing decisions
Produce and manage Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs), monitoring actions and outcomes
Carry out statutory homelessness investigations and issue s184 decision letters within deadlines
Liaise with landlords, mortgage providers, social care teams, health services, and voluntary organisations
Support access to housing solutions including social housing, private rented sector, supported housing and home ownership options
Deliver outreach services, housing surgeries, and attend multi-agency case conferences where required

What you will need as a Housing Options Officer

Experience working within a housing options or homelessness service
Strong understanding of homelessness legislation, particularly Part VII Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
Experience producing Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs)
Experience writing s184 decision letters
Strong communication, interviewing, and interpersonal skills with an empathetic approach
Ability to manage a busy caseload and work proactively within a team environment
Strong IT and report writing skills
Experience using Civica (Abritas) housing system (desirable)
Confidence carrying out face-to-face housing options interviews

What's on offer for you

Competitive hourly rate up to £31.00 (umbrella)
Opportunity to join a busy and supportive local authority housing team
Hybrid working arrangement following initial training period
Chance to make a direct impact in preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable residents
Potential contract extension based on performance and service need

Apply now or contact the consultant to discuss this Housing Options Officer opportunity in Essex.