At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support residents in need with expert advice and guidance.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, dedicated to delivering high-quality housing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a focus on employee wellbeing and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of housing legislation and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are seeking a knowledgeable Housing Options Officer to join our Housing team. This is a vital role in delivering the Council's Homelessness Strategy, helping to prevent homelessness and supporting residents in housing need. You will provide expert advice and guidance on housing options, investigate homelessness applications, and ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities under housing legislation. This role requires compassion, resilience, and the ability to deliver excellent customer service to some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.
Responsibilities
- Assessing and resolving homelessness applications in line with statutory duties, by carrying out sensitive interviews and home visits to fully understand applicants' circumstances.
- Developing action plans with clients to address the causes of homelessness.
- Liaising with landlords, tenants, and partner agencies to sustain tenancies and resolve disputes.
- Representing the Council at multi-agency meetings and, where required, in court proceedings.
- Maintaining accurate case records and ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and service standards.
Qualifications
- A strong working knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, etc.).
- Extensive experience in housing advice, homelessness prevention, or a related field.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences.
- The ability to work under pressure, manage complex cases, and remain empathetic.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- An understanding of safeguarding principles for adults and children.
This is a hybrid role where the working week will be based on 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home - you may be asked to come into the office at additional times as required. We are committed to supporting our community and delivering high-quality housing services. Joining our team means that you will be able to make a real difference to people's lives and work in a supportive, professional environment.
Hybrid Working
We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way, both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working.
Competitive remuneration package
We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Housing Options Officer employer: Ashford Borough Council
Ashford Borough Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community through its Housing Options Officer role. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside a competitive remuneration package and ample opportunities for professional development. Join us in a supportive environment where your expertise will directly contribute to preventing homelessness and improving the lives of vulnerable residents in our borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Housing Options Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points from the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This will show your potential employer that you’re serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and customer service skills during interviews. We want to see how you handle sensitive situations, so think of examples where you've made a difference in someone’s life. This is crucial for a role that involves supporting vulnerable residents.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you brush up on your housing and homelessness legislation. We want to see that you understand the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Show us how your knowledge can help in preventing homelessness and supporting residents!
Tailor Your Application:When you're writing your application, make it personal! Highlight your experience in housing advice and how you've helped vulnerable residents in the past. We love seeing real-life examples that demonstrate your skills and compassion.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:This role is all about connecting with people, so let your communication skills shine through in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to mention how you adapt your approach for different audiences. We want to know you can handle sensitive situations with empathy!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to join our team in making a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also serious about the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about helping vulnerable residents, so be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy in past roles. Think of specific situations where you made a difference in someone's life.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle sensitive interviews or complex cases. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to showcase your excellent communication abilities. Prepare to discuss how you adapt your communication style to different audiences, whether they are clients, landlords, or partner agencies.
