We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Housing Options Officer.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
About you…
We are looking for a passionate and self-motivated person with empathy and understanding to build relationships with customers when facing homelessness.
You will have experience of problem solving and working with a diverse clientele within a housing environment. Excellent negotiating skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers and other stakeholders is vital for this role.
You will work alongside the Rough Sleeper and Single Homelessness team whose mission it is to eradicate rough sleeping in Bracknell Forest.
About the team…
You will be joining a dynamic, friendly and solution-based Housing Options team delivering proactive advice and assistance to households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
The work is fast paced and innovative, sometimes the work is challenging however there is also time for finding creative solutions and every day is different.
Key responsibilities…
* As a Housing Options Officer you will be responsible for providing help and comprehensive advice to households who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by assisting them to retain their existing accommodation or secure alternative housing.
* To consider and assess homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part VII (as amended by the Homeless Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
* To provide a customer focused approach ensuring that a full housing needs assessment has been undertaken, all statutory notifications and Personal Housing Plans are published to help customers secure housing.
* In addition, you will be working in partnership with other specialist agencies, including children and adult services, probation, hospitals and voluntary organisations, to prevent homelessness.
Our benefits…
* 28 days* annual leave increasing to 33 days* after 3 years’ continuous service.
* The opportunity to buy up to 10 additional days* annual leave per year and sell 5 days.
* Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
* Electric vehicle salary sacrifice for an electric car at a fixed monthly cost (subject to eligibility).
* An inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks.
* Local government pension scheme.
* Life insurance cover (linked to the pension scheme)
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
* Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits such as annual leave entitlements, occupational maternity/paternity leave, and more. (Terms and Conditions apply – please refer to candidate pack for more information.)
* Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
* A great office location next to travel links and Bracknell Forest’s thriving town centre.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing.
* Sports and Social Club.
* Staff dental and health plans.
* Discounted leisure centre and gym membership.
* Supermarket discount.
*(pro rata for part time)
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on 21st July 2025.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.