Housing Options Officer – 10 Week Contract

Summary

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

• 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.