Housing Options Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct housing options and homelessness assessments in accordance with the Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and relevant statutory guidance.
• Interview applicants to establish their housing circumstances, needs, vulnerabilities and eligibility for assistance.
• Assess homelessness applications and determine whether prevention, relief or other statutory duties are owed.
• Develop and review Personalised Housing Plans (PHPs) with applicants, identifying practical steps to prevent or relieve homelessness.
• Provide clear and accurate advice on housing options, including social housing, private rented accommodation, temporary accommodation and supported housing.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal departments, housing associations, support agencies and other external organisations.
• Work proactively with landlords, letting agents and partner organisations to prevent homelessness and secure suitable accommodation.
• Assess the affordability and suitability of potential accommodation, taking account of household circumstances and relevant legislation.
• Manage a caseload effectively, ensuring cases are progressed within statutory and organisational timescales.
• Make decisions regarding homelessness applications and communicate decisions clearly to applicants.
• Deal with reviews, enquiries and challenges relating to housing and homelessness decisions where required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and ensure all activity is recorded on the relevant housing management system.
• Work closely with temporary accommodation, allocations, tenancy management, benefits and housing support teams.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals in accordance with council procedures.
• Provide advice and assistance to vulnerable households, including families, single applicants and individuals with complex needs.
• Keep up to date with changes to housing legislation, statutory guidance, local policies and welfare benefits.
• Contribute to homelessness prevention initiatives and the development of effective housing options services.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience working within a Housing Options, Homelessness or Housing Advice environment.
• Good knowledge of homelessness legislation and the Housing Act 1996 / Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 .
• Experience carrying out housing or homelessness assessments and developing appropriate housing solutions.
• Experience managing a caseload and working to statutory or organisational deadlines.
• Experience providing housing advice to members of the public, including individuals with complex or vulnerable circumstances.
• Understanding of social housing allocations, private rented housing and homelessness prevention.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to make sound, evidence-based decisions and explain decisions clearly to applicants.
• Good IT and case-management system skills.

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