Housing Options Officer

London Source: WhatJobs

See advert for pay

Overview

Role within a London local authority to deliver housing options support for households homeless or at risk. You will conduct homelessness assessments, determine eligibility, and develop personalised housing plans. You will liaise with landlords and services, signpost to support, and ensure timely case progression. You will handle complex cases with a focus on preventing homelessness and delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service.

Responsibilities

Conduct homelessness assessments and determine eligibility under the Housing Act 1996
Provide comprehensive housing advice and guidance to applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness
Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans in line with statutory duties
Assess applications under the prevention and relief duties and make appropriate decisions
Investigate homelessness cases and gather relevant evidence to support decisions
Work with applicants to identify suitable accommodation and prevent homelessness wherever possible
Liaise with landlords, housing associations, private sector providers and internal council teams
Make referrals and signpost applicants to appropriate support services
Maintain accurate case records and ensure cases are progressed within statutory timescales
Handle complex and challenging cases while delivering a high-quality customer-focused service

Key requirements

Previous experience working as a Housing Options Officer or within a homelessness service
Strong knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
Experience conducting homelessness assessments and making statutory decisions
Knowledge of prevention and relief duties, PHPs and temporary accommodation
Excellent communication, organisational and case management skills