Job Description
Housing Options Officer - Rough Sleeper Specialist
We are recruiting for a Housing Options Officer - Rough Sleeper Specialist to join a dedicated Housing Options team. This is a key frontline role supporting individuals who are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping.
You will be responsible for providing specialist housing advice and support, assessing homelessness applications, and working closely with a range of partner agencies to deliver long-term, person-centred solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
* Assess homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act
* Provide tailored housing advice and develop personal housing plans
* Manage a caseload of complex clients and support them to access accommodation
* Work with commissioned outreach services to engage with rough sleepers
* Lead on multi-agency casework involving domestic abuse, safeguarding, mental health and substance misuse
* Respond to Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) when activated
* Attend and lead multi-agency meetings and case conferences
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date casework records and documentation
* Provide legal evidence for housing decisions and appeals where required
Essential Experience and Knowledge:
* Strong working knowledge of Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and relevant housing legislation
* Experience working in a housing advice, options or homelessness service
* Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and support for vulnerable individuals
* Experience supporting clients with complex needs including substance misuse, mental health and safeguarding concerns
* Able to work with minimal supervision and manage a varied workload
* Able to work directly in the community, including outreach and home visits
Qualifications and Requirements:
* Level 4 diploma or equivalent professional experience
* Enhanced DBS check
* Able to travel across the local area and occasionally outside of the borough
* Able to work flexibly including occasional out-of-hours work as part of a rota
* Fluent in spoken and written English