At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families secure housing and prevent homelessness through expert advice.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Slough focused on housing solutions and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven role that impacts lives positively and fosters community well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options or homelessness prevention is essential; empathy and problem-solving skills are key.
- Other info: Full-time hours with a flexible hybrid model; perfect for those passionate about social impact.
The predicted salary is between 40800 - 46800 £ per year.
Are you experienced in providing housing advice and homelessness prevention? We’re looking for a Housing Options Officer to join a team in Slough and play a key role in supporting individuals and families to secure housing and avoid homelessness.
THE ROLE
As a Housing Options Officer, you will deliver a high-quality housing advice and homelessness prevention service while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. Key responsibilities include:
- Assess homelessness applications under the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Work proactively to prevent homelessness by helping clients retain existing accommodation or secure alternatives.
- Conduct financial assessments to ensure housing solutions are affordable for clients.
- Provide Personal Housing Plans tailored to clients’ needs, supporting access to education, employment, health services, and more.
- Collaborate with landlords, family members, and partner agencies to find housing solutions.
- Offer expert advice on complex issues such as domestic abuse, eviction, and tenancy rights.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, ensuring compliance with statutory and council standards.
THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role within housing options, homelessness prevention, or tenancy relations. Key skills and experience:
- Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and Housing Act 1996 Part 7.
- Experience managing difficult and vulnerable clients with professionalism and empathy.
- Understanding of welfare benefits and tenancy law to provide informed housing advice.
- Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
THE CONTRACT
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 (3 days per week in the office). Length of Contract: Temporary ongoing. Rate: The pay range for the role is £23.00 to £25.00 per hour LTD company rate. The PAYE equivalent is £19.61 to £21.31 per hour, inclusive of holiday.
HOW TO APPLY
If interested in this role, please apply directly or email .uk or call and ask for Beth to discuss the role in more detail!
Housing Options Officer employer: Service Care Solutions - Housing
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to provide informed advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing sector. Attend local housing forums or workshops to meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations related to homelessness prevention and client management, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local housing market in Slough. Being knowledgeable about the area’s housing options and challenges will show your potential employer that you are proactive and ready to tackle the issues faced by clients.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Housing Options Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in housing advice and homelessness prevention.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles where you provided housing advice or worked with vulnerable clients. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of housing legislation and your problem-solving abilities.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your communication, negotiation, and empathy skills in your application. These are crucial for managing difficult situations and supporting clients effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions - Housing
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will demonstrate your expertise and show that you understand the legal framework within which you'll be working.
✨Show Empathy and Professionalism
Prepare examples of how you've managed difficult situations with vulnerable clients in the past. Highlighting your ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy will resonate well with the interviewers, as this role requires a compassionate approach.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully resolved complex housing issues. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the steps you took to find solutions, as this will showcase your critical thinking abilities.
✨Prepare Tailored Personal Housing Plans
Consider how you would create Personal Housing Plans for different scenarios. Being able to articulate your approach to tailoring solutions for clients' needs will illustrate your understanding of the role and your commitment to client-centred service.