At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families facing homelessness find suitable emergency accommodation.
- Company: Join Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building a meaningful career.
- Qualifications: Experience in homelessness or temporary accommodation is essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 40182 - 42060 £ per year.
Salary range: £40,182 - £42,060 (pro-rata) p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Fixed - Term - 12 Months
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre, New Horizon Centre and other locations from time to time
An exciting opportunity… Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
The Post: We’re looking for passionate, resilient individuals to join our Emergency Housing Placement Team as Emergency Placement Housing Officer helping individuals and families facing homelessness to be placed in suitable emergency accommodation. In this fast-paced and dynamic role, you will:
- Conduct suitability assessment on homelessness applicants referred to you.
- Search for and identify suitable accommodation ensuring all housing compliance are met.
- Allocate accommodations to referred homelessness applicants and ensure all the booking processes are completed.
You’ll be based at our office in Wembley on a rota basis, with the flexibility to work from home on some days. This is a front-line role where you will be expected to work from our office in Wembley and Harlesden depending on the rota. You will also be able to work from home on some days in the week. Knowledge and experience of working in the temporary accommodation sector is essential but training will be provided from time to time. This is an exciting opportunity in the sector.
The Person: Compassion, Determination, and Drive. Experience in the homelessness / temporary accommodation sector is essential. If you have necessary Housing IT software experience and thrive under pressure, are eager to learn, and have a strong sense of purpose, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What we’re looking for:
- A strong interest in homelessness and housing issues
- The ability to learn processes quickly; full training will be provided
- A customer-focused mindset with excellent communication skills
- Proactive problem-solving and resilience in a fast-moving environment
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to change lives, make a difference, and build a meaningful career. Take the first step toward a rewarding future and apply today!
Why join us? We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
To learn more about our benefits, visit Our offer to you.
Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026 (23:59)
Additional Information: If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications from candidates who have applied for this role in the last 6 months will not be considered. Please note that employees must have successfully completed their probationary period before applying for this vacancy.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Emergency Housing Officer employer: Borough of Brent
The Borough of Brent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in their political careers. With a strong emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, the role of Policy & Communications Assistant provides generous annual leave and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Housing Officer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Borough of Brent, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Borough of Brent and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Emergency Housing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Borough of Brent and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Borough of Brent, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Borough of Brent.
