Working Hours: 37
Location: Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Closing Date: 28/06/2026
Job Category: Housing
Service Area: Adult Services - Homeless Prevention + Access
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
* Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave each year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. There is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
* Excellent pension – every employee can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
* A full range of family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
* Access to an award‑winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low‑cost bike purchase scheme as well as high‑street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
* Salary sacrifice car scheme – eligible employees can access low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
* Blue Light Card – employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Job Introduction
Would you enjoy a role where you make a meaningful impact in your community? If so, we invite you to become part of our dedicated Housing Solutions team.
As the demand for housing services continues to grow, we are expanding our team and seeking individuals committed to preventing homelessness and providing vital support to those in need.
As a Housing Solutions Officer, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families facing housing crises, working tirelessly to find sustainable solutions and prevent homelessness before it occurs.
We have introduced a career framework to enhance professional growth and pay progression for Housing Solutions Officers, offering a clear pathway for development.
The starting grade and salary will depend on your skills, experience and knowledge and will be matched to the most appropriate role profile.
We are recruiting for three full‑time posts and one part‑time (18.5 hrs per week) post. Your preference will not affect whether you are shortlisted.
Role Responsibilities
* Full role responsibilities depend on the level you join at.
* You will prevent homelessness by providing housing advice and assistance to those facing homelessness, and carrying out homelessness prevention/relief work.
* Provide customers with housing‑prevention advice, supporting them to sustain their current accommodation or to secure alternative accommodation through personal housing plans.
* More experienced Officers manage a wide range of complex cases, establishing ongoing relationships with service users to successfully prevent or relieve homelessness.
* Work jointly with other services and partners to prevent homelessness and lead, attend and manage multi‑professional meetings when appropriate.
* Carry out visits and complete appointments in the home and all appropriate locations to ensure prompt assessment of cases to prevent homelessness, sustain accommodation or seek alternative solutions.
Ideal Candidate
Entry‑level Officers:
* Understanding of the legislative frameworks and statutory requirements relating to the Housing Solutions Service and relevant legislation.
* Understanding of Safeguarding, Care Act assessments and requirements.
* Aware of the Welfare Reform Act and housing allocations covered by the Housing Act 1996 Part VI and Part VII.
* Knowledge of current issues affecting social and private housing provision, and of a range of housing options and homelessness prevention approaches.
* Evidence of creative problem‑solving in difficult situations.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and collaborate with other services and partners.
More experienced Officers:
* Good level of understanding of the legislative frameworks and statutory requirements relating to the Housing Solutions Service and relevant legislation.
* Understanding of Safeguarding, Care Act assessments and requirements.
* Commitment to a CIH or other qualification related to housing/homelessness completed (level 2 or level 3).
* Ability to support the development of less experienced colleagues by completing peer reviews: decisions, correspondence, or personal housing plans, and undertaking case reviews with less experienced officers.
* Ability to act as a mentor, providing guidance and support to less experienced employees, recognising and resolving issues.
* Ability to contribute to the promotion, development and implementation of alternative initiatives to ensure the service operates under best value to reduce homelessness cases and adapt to the needs of the customer.
* Demonstrate ability and competence in assessing cases independently without reference to a Deputy Manager.
* Lead on specialist areas of work as appropriate, seeking resolutions to problems independently.
Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle
To be successful you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. If offered the role, you will need to provide evidence of your licence and vehicle insurance, including cover for business use. We cannot confirm an appointment until these documents are received.
As part of pre‑employment checks, a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out.
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