At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide housing advice and support homelessness prevention for those in need.
- Company: Local authority housing service dedicated to community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, temporary contract, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Join us to help vulnerable individuals find secure housing and improve lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options or homelessness prevention is essential.
We are looking for an experienced Housing Options Officer / Homelessness Officer to join a local authority housing service. This role is ideal for candidates with strong knowledge of homelessness prevention, housing advice, housing options, case management, and the Housing Act.
Key Details
- Sector: Local Authority Housing / Homelessness Prevention
- Pay: £29.35ph umbrella
- Hours: 37 per week
- Contract: Temporary, 17 weeks
- Start: 14 September 2026
Role Purpose
You will provide front-line housing advice, homelessness prevention support and housing options assessments for applicants who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide housing advice on homelessness prevention, housing options, tenancy rights and security of tenure.
- Assess homelessness applications and support applicants under relevant housing legislation.
- Manage a busy housing caseload with accurate case notes, evidence and applicant records.
- Identify practical housing solutions, including prevention, relief and move-on options.
- Liaise with landlords, housing providers, local authority teams and external support agencies.
- Communicate clearly with applicants by phone, email and letter.
- Support vulnerable applicants with inclusive, person-centred and outcome-focused advice.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Officer, Housing Needs Officer or similar.
- Strong local authority housing, homelessness prevention or housing advice experience.
- Knowledge of homelessness assessments, applicant interviews and housing legislation.
- Excellent case management, negotiation and customer service skills.
- Confident working with vulnerable people and managing challenging conversations.
- Highly organised, accurate and able to manage a busy caseload.
- Fluent English, in line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.
- A level standard or equivalent knowledge to NVQ Level 4.
Desirable Knowledge
- Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Suitability Order 2012, landlord and tenant law, and security of tenure.
- Housing options, homelessness relief, prevention duties and supported accommodation pathways.
- Data protection, equality, diversity and safeguarding awareness in a housing advice setting.
- Partnership working across housing, social care, voluntary sector and local authority services.
Why Apply?
This is a great opportunity for a housing options professional to support homelessness prevention, deliver quality housing advice and improve outcomes for residents across Somerset.
How to Apply
Apply today with your updated CV if you have experience in housing options, homelessness prevention, housing advice or local authority housing services.
Housing Options Officer / Homelessness Officer in Taunton employer: Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
At Diamond Blaque HR Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our work culture fosters professional growth, offering employees the chance to enhance their skills while contributing to meaningful projects within the public sector. Located in Greater London, we provide a competitive day rate and a supportive environment that encourages career advancement and impactful work.
Contact Details:
Diamond Blaque HR Solutions Recruitment Team
