Housing Options Officer

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