Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Department: Adults & Community Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £28,598 - £31,022 / year
Description
We are dedicated to helping people who are facing homelessness. The demand for our Housing Options Service is increasing, and we think it will continue to do so. Often through no fault of their own, more and more people are finding themselves at risk of homelessness. The housing market and lack of affordable options make it challenging to help people find the homes that they need. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Initial Advice Officer. We are seeking an individual who has a proven track record of working within a challenging frontline service or has transferable customer service skills. You will be based in our Housing Options Team and will be an initial point of contact for those at risk of imminent homelessness.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who is:
* Excellent communication skills – able to give clear and concise advice to customers and landlords.
* A good listener – empathetic when helping customers facing challenging personal circumstances.
* A good team player – who embraces The Council's core values.
* Organised and detail-oriented – able to prioritise their work in a demanding environment.
* Natural problem solver – creative in developing successful resolutions.
Essential skills
* Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records to provide accountability and deliverability, and to be used as evidence if required.
* Good organisational ability, particularly self-organisation, ability to see tasks through to a successful conclusion while working to tight deadlines.
* Ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision at times.
* Confident and fluent communication in English; required to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role.
Essential Knowledge
* Knowledge of 1996 Housing Act.
* Understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
* Experience of working in a housing or customer service setting.
* Experience in working face to face with a wide variety of clients.
Background Check
This post requires an Enhanced Criminal Record Check, which will show spent and unspent convictions and adult cautions that have not been filtered in line with legislation, plus any information held by local Police that is relevant to the role.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
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