housing options officer

Job Title: Homelessness Officer / Housing Options Officer

Contract Duration: 3-Month Fixed-Term Contract
DBS Requirement: Enhanced DBS required
Role is hybrid with 2 days in the office and 3 days at home

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Summary

The Homelessness Officer / Housing Options Officer is responsible for delivering a high-quality advice and assessment service to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This role involves evaluating clients housing situations identifying their support needs and providing suitable housing solutions in accordance with homelessness legislation statutory guidance and Council policies. The postholder is crucial in preventing and alleviating homelessness ensuring effective case management and compliance with the Councils statutory obligations.

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Responsibilities

Case Management & Assessment

• Manage a caseload of homelessness applications from initial contact to resolution.
  
• Conduct thorough investigations into homelessness applications completing all relevant inquiries.
  
• Assess housing and support needs to determine appropriate interventions.
  

Homelessness Decision Making

• Make legally compliant Section 184 decisions on homelessness applications.
  
• Apply strong knowledge of homelessness legislation such as the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  
• Ensure all decisions are clearly documented and communicated to applicants.
  

Prevention & Relief Duties

• Work proactively to prevent and relieve homelessness wherever possible.
  
• Provide tailored advice on housing options including private rented sector social housing and temporary accommodation.
  
• Secure suitable temporary accommodation for households where the Council has a duty.
  

Safeguarding

• Identify safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action in line with policies and procedures.
  
• Work to protect vulnerable individuals including children and adults at risk.
  

Partnership & Multi-Agency Working

• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies such as social care health services and charities.
  
• Support coordinated approaches to complex cases involving vulnerable households.
  

Performance & Compliance

• Ensure all cases are processed within statutory timeframes and meet performance targets.
  
• Maintain accurate up-to-date case records and documentation.
  
• Ensure compliance with legislation guidance and Council procedures.
  

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Requirements

Requirements:

Experience Required

• Experience working within homelessness housing options or a related housing service.
  
• Proven experience managing a caseload in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Experience carrying out assessments and making housing-related decisions.
  
• Experience working with vulnerable clients and complex cases.
  
• Experience in multi-agency working and partnership collaboration.
  

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in housing social care or a related field (desirable).
  
• CIH qualification or working towards (desirable).
  

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of homelessness legislation and statutory duties.
  
• Competence in making Section 184 homelessness decisions.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines.
  
• Good IT skills including case management systems.
  

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Key Competencies

• Customer-focused and empathetic approach
  
• Strong decision-making and judgment
  
• Ability to work under pressure
  
• High level of attention to detail
  
• Collaborative and proactive mindset
  

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Additional Information

• Pay frequency: Bi-weekly
  
• Working hours: 37 hours per week
  
• Enhanced DBS check required
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced high-demand environment
  
• Commitment to delivering high-quality customer service
  

Required Skills:

Requirements: Experience & Skills Required Essential Experience Experience working within Housing Benefits or a similar welfare benefits environment. Experience interpreting and applying benefit legislation and guidance. Experience in quality assurance checking or auditing of claims. Experience working with financial data and returns. Desirable Experience Experience completing Housing Benefit subsidy claims/returns. Experience working with auditors or supporting audit processes. Local authority or public sector experience. Essential Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Good understanding of Housing Benefit subsidy rules and compliance requirements. Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it in practice. Strong communication skills to provide constructive feedback and guidance to colleagues. Ability to work independently and manage deadlines. Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office (particularly Excel). Qualifications Essential Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths. Relevant experience in Housing Benefits administration or subsidy work. Desirable Professional qualification in Revenues and Benefits or related field. Training or certification in Housing Benefit subsidy and compliance. --- Performance Measures Accuracy of Housing Benefit assessments and compliance with legislation. Timely and accurate completion of subsidy returns. Improvement in subsidy income and reduction in errors. Positive audit outcomes and reduced risk exposure. Identification and development of staff through quality assurance processes. Additional Information A valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required for this role. We pay on a bi-weekly basis. Working hours per week: 37. Location: Northampton.

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1