Housing Options Officer

Job Description

Job Category : Housing
Location : County Hall, Somerset Council
Hours Per Week : 37.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time : 08:30
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £22.00

*All candidates must have a good working knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act and experience using the Locata system. Workers must be able to deliver messaging to service users in a compassionate and sympathetic manner*

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. – Remote working, Duty rota approx 2 days a week, details discussed at interview. Case load to be managed alongside homelessness duty cover (08:30-17:00 daily

Essential
Desirable
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to deal inventively and sensitively with a
wide range and spectrum of people in greatly
varying circumstances.
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.
Ability to establish and manage realistic
applicant expectations.
Knowledge of Options available to somebody
that is homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively
where detailed and complex investigations are
required, working with precision and attention to
detail.
Knowledge of Data Protection.
Negotiating skills
Ability to maintain accurate detailed and timely
case notes and other evidence-based records.
Equality and diversity issues and an
understanding of the relevance to a housing
Good organisational and administrative skills.
advice service
Ability to speak fluent English as stated in
Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016)
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
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
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.
Personal Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Ability to build and maintain good working
relationships.
Resourceful, solution focused, persuasive and
skilled in overcoming barriers.
Ability to prioritise workload, manage time
effectively and meet deadlines.
Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, use
initiative and work with limited supervision.
Current driving licence required and access to
own vehicle