Housing Options Officer (Housing) in Bracknell

Job Title and Location

Homelessness Prevention & Assessment Officer – 3 Month Contract

Location: RG12 (Bracknell Area)

Rate: £36.10 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary (3 Months)

Hours: Full-Time

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

This temporary role involves assessing homelessness applications, providing housing advice, and ensuring compliance with statutory duties under homelessness legislation. The successful candidate will work to prevent and relieve homelessness, complete statutory assessments, and collaborate with customers, landlords, and partner agencies to achieve positive housing outcomes. This position supports vulnerable households and ensures they receive appropriate guidance and assistance.

Responsibilities

• Homelessness Assessments:
  • Evaluate applications under the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Conduct detailed housing needs assessments and determine duties owed to applicants.
  • Complete statutory investigations and issue Section 184 decision letters.
• Prevention & Relief Duties:
  • Work with customers to prevent and relieve homelessness.
  • Explore housing options and develop tailored prevention strategies.
  • Ensure applicants are informed throughout the process.
• Personal Housing Plans:
  • Develop and monitor Personal Housing Plans (PHPs).
  • Collaborate with customers to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Housing Advice & Case Management:
  • Provide high‑quality housing advice and manage a complex caseload.
  • Ensure accurate case recording and file management.
• Financial Assessments:
  • Conduct affordability assessments and support income maximization.
  • Liaise with welfare benefit services as needed.
• Housing Register Assessments:
  • Assess and process housing register applications.
  • Maintain accurate housing records.
• Landlord & Stakeholder Negotiation:
  • Negotiate with landlords and housing providers to prevent homelessness.
  • Facilitate positive outcomes through partnership working.
• Partnership Working:
  • Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies.
  • Attend multi‑agency meetings and coordinate support plans.
• Database & Record Management:
  • Maintain accurate case notes and ensure compliance with GDPR.

Requirements

• Essential:
  • Ability to attend the office once per week for face‑to‑face assessments.
  • Experience with Abritas and Civica systems.
  • Knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 Part VII and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
  • Experience issuing Section 184 decisions and managing complex housing cases.
  • Strong customer service and case management skills.
  • Excellent knowledge of homelessness legislation.
  • Strong investigative and assessment skills.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to manage a complex caseload effectively.
  • Strong report‑writing and decision‑making abilities.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet statutory deadlines.
  • Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
  • Good IT skills and experience using housing case management systems.
• Desirable:
  • Previous local authority homelessness experience.
  • Knowledge of the Renters Rights Act.
  • Experience in multi‑agency meetings and working with partner organisations.