Housing Options Officer - Local Authority
📍 Based in the Midlands | 💼 30 hours per week | 📅 Initial 3-month contract
💰 £14.03 per hour |🔒 Enhanced DBS Required
Are you passionate about making a real difference to people at risk of homelessness? A local authority in the Midlands is looking for a committed and knowledgeable Housing Options Officer to join its Housing Services team within the Place & Prosperity directorate.
You'll play a vital frontline role in helping individuals and families facing housing challenges, ensuring the authority meets its legal duties under the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation.
🔑 Key Responsibilities:
Provide advice and support to those in housing need, ensuring a high standard of service in line with statutory requirements.
Carry out robust investigations and make consistent decisions within statutory timeframes.
Work closely with internal teams and external partners to secure suitable housing solutions, including arranging temporary accommodation.
Support and manage temporary accommodation, including liaison on housing benefits and rent payments.
Build partnerships with housing providers, private landlords, statutory agencies and voluntary organisations to improve outcomes for clients.
Maintain accurate casework records, provide statistics and support new service initiatives.
Offer practical advice to customers to maximise their benefit entitlement and financial wellbeing.
Contribute to homelessness prevention by working collaboratively with colleagues across services.
✅ What You'll Bring:
Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing law, and current statutory frameworks.
Experience working in a housing advice, homelessness or housing options environment.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to sensitively handle difficult situations.
Strong organisational and case management skills.
A commitment to delivering equitable, person-centred services.
An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
💬 Additional Information:
The role includes working in partnership with a Job Share colleague to deliver a consistent service across the working week.
The organisation is committed to equal opportunities, inclusive service delivery, and a safe, professional working environment.
You will be expected to comply with all organisational policies, including those related to health and safety and conduct.
Occasional attendance at meetings and preparation of reports may be required.
If you're motivated by the opportunity to positively impact people's lives and are ready to use your expertise to support those facing housing difficulties - we want to hear from you