Housing Options Officer in Swindon

Swindon Borough Council are on an exciting journey to transform service delivery. We want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for: the communities and businesses that make our town great.

As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services, better processes, and a better quality of life for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

If you are an energetic, resilient and enthusiastic person who embraces change positively and wants to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, then we want to hear from you. This is a rewarding opportunity to support some of Swindon’s most vulnerable residents, including people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, rough sleepers, prison leavers, victims of domestic abuse and those experiencing multiple and complex needs.

You will work in a trauma-informed way, recognising the impact that trauma, adverse life experiences and social exclusion can have on an individual’s ability to access and sustain housing. You must be an excellent team player who can work in a high-pressured, constantly changing environment and conduct yourself with professionalism, empathy and compassion. You will be able to build trust and positive relationships with people during periods of crisis, whilst maintaining a strong focus on achieving sustainable housing outcomes.

You will interview and case manage people in housing need, providing high-quality advice, assistance and advocacy to residents experiencing housing difficulties. You will deal tactfully and sympathetically with applicants who are often facing stressful, challenging and complex circumstances. As a Housing Options Officer, you will empower customers to identify and achieve housing solutions, undertaking detailed assessments and delivering intensive casework to prevent and relieve homelessness.

You will work with individuals and families who may have experienced trauma, poor mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, institutional care, rough sleeping or involvement with the criminal justice system. You will ensure that customers are aware of their legal rights and housing options and will make decisions under homelessness legislation. You will liaise with housing providers and a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector partners to secure positive outcomes for customers. You will also work closely with rough sleeper services and outreach teams, helping individuals move away from homelessness and into safe, sustainable accommodation.

This post provides an excellent opportunity to work alongside dedicated officers who are committed to preventing homelessness, safeguarding vulnerable people and making a positive difference within our community. Knowledge of housing law and homelessness legislation would be beneficial but is not essential, as full training and support will be provided.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act for the effective performance of a customer-facing role). You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work-life balance. For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey.

We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, revitalised Swindon together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Potential applicants are sometimes put off if they don’t meet 100% of the requirements. We think individual experience, skills and passion make all the difference, so if you meet the majority of the criteria, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information about the role, please contact Chelsie Eddolls at CEddolls@swindon.gov.uk. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.

Closing date: 20 August 2026