Housing Options Officer

Housing Options Officer

Location: Remote (with occasional site visits)Hourly Rate: £28 per hour (Umbrella)Hours: Full-time (Duty rota approx. 2 days a week, 08:30-17:00 daily)Contract: Temporary

Job Overview:

Somerset Council is looking for a compassionate and experienced Housing Options Officer to join our team. You will provide vital advice, information, and support to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Your role will help clients explore their housing options and find accommodation that suits their needs. You will also work with a range of partner agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on homelessness prevention, housing options, tenure rights, and security of tenure.

• Assist applicants in exploring housing options and securing long-term housing solutions that meet their needs.

• Conduct thorough assessments to understand the causes of homelessness and create personalised housing plans.

• Progress homeless applications (Part 7) and housing applications (Part 6) under the Homelessness Reduction Act and the Homefinder Somerset Choice Based Lettings scheme.

• Refer applicants to partner agencies for support in areas such as mental health, substance misuse, debt management, and domestic abuse.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records in compliance with data protection and confidentiality policies.

• Deliver messaging and support to service users in a compassionate and sympathetic manner, recognising their unique circumstances.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act and experience applying it in a frontline role.

• Experience using the Locata system for housing applications and assessments.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey sensitive information compassionately.

• Ability to manage a caseload effectively while balancing homelessness duty cover.

• A current driving licence and access to a vehicle for occasional site visits.

• Ability to work remotely and manage your time effectively, with the flexibility to participate in a duty rota (approx. 2 days a week).

Additional Requirements:

• The role will involve remote working, but you will also need to carry out occasional site visits to meet with clients in their homes.

• A DBS background check is required due to the nature of the role.

Why Join Us:

• Competitive hourly rate of £28 per hour (Umbrella).

• Work from home flexibility with occasional site visits.

• Be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.

• Collaborate with a range of partner agencies to provide holistic support to those in need.

If you have a passion for housing options and homelessness prevention and possess the experience needed to deliver excellent service, we want to hear from you!