Housing Options Officer
CV-LibrarySouth EastcontractPosted: 2 October 2026
Apply NowKey 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
* 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