At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide essential housing advice and support to prevent homelessness in your community.
- Company: Join a proactive local authority team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping vulnerable households secure sustainable housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options or homelessness services is essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're recruiting an experienced and motivated Housing Options Advisor to join a proactive Housing Solutions team delivering essential frontline homelessness services within a busy local authority. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with strong knowledge of homelessness legislation, casework management, and housing advice to make an immediate impact supporting vulnerable households and preventing homelessness across the borough.
You'll play a key role in assessing housing needs, providing homelessness advice, and ensuring compliance with statutory duties under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. Working within a fast-paced environment, you'll manage a diverse caseload, make statutory decisions, and work collaboratively with internal teams, landlords, and partner agencies to secure sustainable housing outcomes. The role will require the successful candidate to work in the council offices 4 days per week as part of a fully on-site team.
The Role- Provide housing advice and assistance to customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness in accordance with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Conduct homelessness triage assessments, determining eligibility, priority need, intentionality, and local connection.
- Manage a caseload of clients from initial approach through to final duty, ensuring accurate case recording and timely progression.
- Make statutory decisions, including "not homeless" and "not eligible" determinations, supported by clear and concise written decision letters.
- Negotiate with landlords, agents, and external stakeholders to prevent homelessness and secure accommodation options.
- Work closely with internal departments and partner agencies to deliver effective housing solutions for vulnerable households.
- Update and maintain accurate case notes and records using the Jigsaw housing management system.
- Provide clear advice on tenancy rights, housing options, and homelessness prevention services.
- Attend meetings and case conferences as required, contributing to multi-agency discussions.
- Ensure all work complies with current housing legislation, guidance, and council policy.
- Proven experience working within a Housing Options or Homelessness Service in a local authority setting.
- Strong working knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Ability to make accurate statutory decisions and draft clear, concise decision letters.
- Confident in managing a varied and demanding caseload independently.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills with a customer-focused approach.
- Experience of partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency using Jigsaw or similar housing systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in the office four days per week as part of a busy frontline service.
If you are interested in this role and meet the criteria above, please click APPLY NOW and send us your application today. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours of applying, your application has been unsuccessful.
FootnoteIf you feel that this job matches your skills but not the rate, location, or seniority, please feel free to send us your CV anyway. We constantly recruit for similar roles across all levels, UK-wide, and would be pleased to speak with you confidentially about your employment status. Even if you're currently satisfied in your role, we welcome calls from housing professionals looking to make future connections. Our specialist team at Carrington West has over 100 years of combined experience in this market.
For more information, call Zubair at Carrington West on (phone number removed).
By applying for this position, you agree for Carrington West to hold and process your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your data will only be shared with third-party clients for roles relevant to your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
Housing Options Advisor employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation and casework management. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've made an impact, as this will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that truly match your skills and passion. Use our website to find positions that excite you and align with your experience in housing options and homelessness services.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation, especially Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. We want to see that you understand the ins and outs of the role, so don’t hesitate to showcase your expertise in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, keep it straightforward. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon to make your experience and skills shine through.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your previous experience in housing options or homelessness services. We’re looking for candidates who can manage a diverse caseload, so share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Case Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed a diverse caseload. Highlight how you prioritised tasks, made statutory decisions, and ensured compliance with housing legislation. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Techniques
Since strong communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play scenarios where you provide housing advice or negotiate with landlords, as this will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Jigsaw
If you have experience using Jigsaw or similar housing management systems, be ready to discuss it. If not, take some time to learn about its features and functionalities. Showing that you’re tech-savvy and willing to learn will impress your interviewers.