Housing Options Officer – 10 Week Contract

Location: Somerset Council

Rate: £29.35 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 10 Week Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid (Primarily Remote)

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

Somerset Council is on the lookout for a skilled Housing Options Officer to join our team on a 10-week contract. This pivotal role involves providing essential advice and support to individuals facing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes. The primary goal is to prevent homelessness by exploring viable housing solutions, assessing statutory obligations, and collaborating with various agencies to secure long-term housing stability. While the position is mainly remote, occasional home visits within the designated area are necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Advice & Homelessness Prevention

• Offer guidance to those who are homeless or at risk.
• Clarify housing rights, options, tenure rights, and relevant legislation.
• Assist applicants in securing and maintaining appropriate housing.
• Communicate effectively through phone, email, letter, and in-person meetings.

Homelessness Assessments

• Conduct thorough assessments of housing situations and support needs.
• Identify causes of homelessness or potential threats.
• Perform investigations and verification checks.
• Collect supporting information from applicants and partner organizations.

Personalised Housing Plans

• Create and update Personalised Housing Plans.
• Aid applicants in completing actions to prevent or alleviate homelessness.
• Ensure plans are realistic, achievable, and tailored to individual needs.

Statutory Decision Making

• Manage homelessness applications under:
  • Housing Act 1996
  • Homelessness Act 2002
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Determine applicable duties, including:
  • Prevention Duty
  • Relief Duty
  • Interim Accommodation Duty
• Deliver timely and legally compliant decisions.

Housing Applications & Allocations

• Process housing applications under Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings.
• Maintain accurate records and assessments.
• Ensure timely completion of applications.

Partnership Working

• Collaborate with:
  • Children's Services
  • Adult Social Care
  • Housing Benefits Teams
  • Registered Providers
  • Mental Health Services
  • DWP
  • Police
  • Substance Misuse Services
  • Domestic Abuse Services
  • Voluntary Organizations
• Refer to specialist support services as needed.

Private Rented Sector Access

• Help applicants secure private rented sector accommodations.
• Evaluate financial circumstances and eligibility for support schemes.
• Facilitate access to bond guarantee and rent deposit schemes.

Record Keeping & Case Management

• Maintain precise, evidence-based case records.
• Utilize case management systems for recording actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and information governance standards.

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Experience in Housing Options, Homelessness, Housing Advice, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and conduct detailed investigations.
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records.
• Experience working sensitively with vulnerable individuals.
• Capability to build positive relationships with applicants and partner agencies.
• Skill in prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines.
• Education to A-Level standard or equivalent experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Familiarity with:
  • Housing Act 1996
  • Homelessness Act 2002
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Suitability of Accommodation Order 2012
  • Landlord and Tenant Law
• Experience in:
  • Housing Options Teams
  • Local Authority Housing Services
  • Housing Associations
• Knowledge of homelessness prevention tools and housing solutions.
• Experience working with vulnerable households and complex needs.
• Understanding of housing allocations and choice-based lettings systems.

Additional Information

• Primarily remote work with occasional office attendance and home visits.
• Visits to applicants may be required across Somerset.
• Possible evening, weekend, and emergency response work.
• DBS check required.
• Full driving licence and vehicle access are essential.

What's on Offer?

• £29.35 per hour (Umbrella)
• 10 Week Contract
• Hybrid Working (Primarily Remote)
• Bi-Weekly Pay
• Opportunity to impact homelessness prevention and housing outcomes directly.
• Diverse caseload involving individuals and families facing housing challenges.
• Collaborative role with a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector partners.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Advice Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Accommodation Officer, Homelessness Prevention Officer, Tenancy Sustainment Officer, or Housing Assessment Officer.