At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families facing homelessness with tailored housing advice.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, committed to community support and inclusivity.
- Benefits: 28 days leave, hybrid working, career development, and employee wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Join a diverse team in a supportive and flexible work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing laws and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37092 - 41506 £ per year.
Role Overview
Bracknell Forest Council seeks a Housing Options Officer to support individuals and families at critical points in their lives.
You will provide housing advice and support to those at risk of homelessness, helping them sustain or secure suitable accommodation.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high‑quality housing advice and support to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Assess applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Undertake comprehensive housing needs assessments and develop tailored Personal Housing Plans.
- Ensure statutory duties, notifications and casework are completed accurately and within required timescales.
- Work proactively to prevent homelessness through early intervention, advice and practical solutions.
- Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and service standards.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Good working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience in housing and homelessness or a related field.
- Strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills.
- Empathy, resilience and a client‑focused approach to advising and support.
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and work collaboratively with partners.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave (increasing to 33 days after 3 years of continuous service).
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
- Working Details
Location: Time Square, Bracknell – hybrid working with an expectation to work from office one day per week.
DBS check required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Bracknell Forest Council is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and value a diverse workforce.
Regional and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must currently reside in the UK. Candidates requiring sponsorship to work may apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship where eligible, subject to availability and budget.
Contact
No agencies. For further information, please refer to the official recruitment portal.
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Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing addiction challenges. With extensive training programmes, generous leave policies, and opportunities for career development, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the well-being of the community in Bracknell. The council's commitment to employee welfare, including hybrid working options and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, makes it an attractive place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Bracknell Forest Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Bracknell Forest Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Bracknell Forest Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract) (pay award pending) role at Bracknell Forest Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Bracknell Forest Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
