At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and manage temporary accommodation for those in need.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, dedicated to community support and housing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and options for home or hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: HNC Level education in housing, health, or social work, plus relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 41800 - 46800 € per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £20.13 - £22.51
Days and Hours of Work:
- Monday - Thursday, 09:00-17:00
- Friday, 09:00-16:00
Flexi time is applicable. To start 22nd June 2026.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration:
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details:
As part of the wider Community Housing Service, provide a comprehensive frontline housing options, homelessness assessment and temporary accommodation management service ensuring that the Council’s corporate statutory homeless responsibilities are met. The jobholder will also work closely with other services and agencies in both developing and delivering the service ensuring regulatory and legal compliance with a range of housing and related legislation.
Job Requirements:
Relevant Qualifications:Must be educated to HNC Level or equivalent in a housing, health or social work subject and/or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through previous experience of providing a range of advice related to homelessness and/or housing and have detailed knowledge of Homelessness and Housing Legislation including a high level of understanding of social policy, community care, equal opportunities, welfare benefits and property management. Must have completed (or within the first year of employment be prepared to join the earliest programme towards completing) training in the National Standards of Housing Advice and Information at Level 2.
Driving Licence:As the duties of this role require you to effectively travel to successfully undertake the full remit of the role, you must hold a current driving licence and have access to a vehicle. (*Where a disability precludes you from obtaining a driving licence, ELC will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability.)
PVG Membership:This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council. Please note: PVG member’s records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information:
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team via this link you require further information about this vacancy, please call , or email us on Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form.
If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Housing Options Officer (Homelessness Prevention) - EAL12568 employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional development, offering flexible home and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to community service, employees are encouraged to grow within a supportive environment that values collaboration and adherence to the 'East Lothian Way' of values and behaviours. This role not only provides a competitive hourly rate but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in homelessness prevention within a vibrant and picturesque location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer (Homelessness Prevention) - EAL12568
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out East Lothian Council's values and behaviours. We want to see how you fit into the 'East Lothian Way', so be ready to chat about how your experiences align with their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to housing options and homelessness prevention. We can help you prepare by providing resources that cover key topics and scenarios you might face in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss your qualifications and any relevant experience in detail. We want to hear about your knowledge of housing legislation and how you've applied it in real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or hybrid working options. This shows your genuine interest and helps us see if you're the right fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer (Homelessness Prevention) - EAL12568
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. Make sure you understand what’s required and how your skills match up. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When filling out the application form, focus on your experience related to housing, homelessness, and social work. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of legislation and your ability to meet the essential criteria.
Showcase Your Values:Familiarise yourself with 'The East Lothian Way' values and think about how you can reflect these in your application. We want to see how you embody these behaviours in your everyday work, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our online system. So, make sure to complete the application form fully and accurately. Don’t forget to attach any relevant documents before hitting submit!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in homelessness and housing legislation. Brush up on the key policies and regulations that govern the role of a Housing Options Officer. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience related to housing advice or social work. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully helped individuals or families facing homelessness. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Be ready to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work. This shows that you align with their culture and are a good fit for the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role, the team, or the council’s approach to homelessness prevention. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is right for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
