Housing Options Officer

Job Description

Job Category :Housing
Location :The Deane House, Somerset Council
Hours Per Week :37.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time :09:00
End Time :17:30
Salary: £19.31

Work Experience Knowledge & Skills
Essential
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to deal inventively and sensitively with a wide range and spectrum of people in greatly varying circumstances.
Ability to establish and manage realistic applicant expectations.
Ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively where detailed and complex investigations are required, working with precision and attention to detail.
Ability to maintain accurate detailed and timely case notes and other evidence-based records.
Good organisational and administrative skills.
Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016)
Desirable
Knowledge of the Homelessness legislation. (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Suitability Order 2012, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017)
Knowledge of the Landlord and tenant law.
Knowledge of Options available to somebody that is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Knowledge of Data Protection. Negotiating skills
Equality and diversity issues and an understanding of the relevance to a housing advice service
Experience of working within a Housing Options team
Experience of working in a housing association, local authority housing department or similar organisation.
Experience of dealing with the public and in particular vulnerable applicants
Experience of effective partnership working which has led to positive solutions

Provide advice, information and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Help applicants to explore their housing options and find suitable accommodation that meets their needs. To work with a range of partners and agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.
Referral signposting to supporting agencies.

Qualifications
Essential
Education qualification to at least A level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ level 4 and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and where required will acquire specialist accreditation and skills.

– Remote working, Duty rota 2 days a week, details discussed at interview.
– Team size roughly 10 including management support
– Case load to be managed alongside homelessness duty cover