At a Glance
- Tasks: Help vulnerable customers find sustainable housing and prevent homelessness.
- Company: Cherwell District Council, a supportive and equal opportunities employer.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Agile working environment with great career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: CIH Level 3 or relevant housing experience, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 35360 £ per year.
Job details: 18.5 hours per week (Mon, Tues, Weds (am)). Agile working supported, Permanent.
The Job: Cherwell District Council are currently looking to recruit an additional Housing Options Officer to join our Housing Services Team as part of a job share opportunity. This rewarding role offers opportunities to help our most vulnerable customers and those facing the most difficult housing situations. You will work to prevent homelessness by assisting households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to retain their accommodation or source a new sustainable housing outcome. You will carry out homelessness casework, investigating the reasons and circumstances relating to a household's homelessness. You will liaise with partners and other parties involved in the case directly and issue decisions based on your inquiries. You will manage your own caseload and you will work within our wider Housing Options Team, working hard to deliver an excellent housing options service to customers.
The Person: We are looking for someone that has:
- CIH Level 3 Qualification and/or significant recent experience in a housing role, preferably in housing options
- A good understanding and awareness of housing issues and issues affecting homelessness
- Knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation including the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
- Proven experience of working with customers
- Experience of interviewing and/or providing advice to people in difficult personal situations
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate both verbally and written
- An ability to negotiate and be confident and assertive when managing cases and working with partners or other stakeholders
- An ability to work effectively as part of a team
- An ability to manage your own caseload effectively to meet deadlines.
The Benefits: The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We offer agile working and staff work from home and in the office to suit the business need. Other benefits include:
- A generous annual leave entitlement (27 days + bank holidays)
- Opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Incremental pay award (awarded annually in April after one years’ service)
- An employee assistance programme
Closing date: Tuesday 14th August 2026. Interview date: Wednesday 19th August 2026. For more information please contact Jayne Allsop – Senior Housing Options Officer on 01295 227976.
Housing Options Officer in Banbury employer: Cherwell District Council
Cherwell District Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. As a Strategic Regeneration Project Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects that shape the future of our community while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration. Located in a vibrant district, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful difference while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Banbury
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Cherwell District Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Cherwell District Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Cherwell District Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Cherwell District Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Cherwell District Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cherwell District Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherwell District Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
