At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert housing advice and support to prevent homelessness.
- Company: Join a supportive team in Windsor and Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Earn £28 per hour with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; housing knowledge preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and career development.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 34 £ per hour.
Are you in search of a temporary yet fulfilling role? We're thrilled to offer an exciting position for our client based in Windsor and Maidenhead who are looking to appoint a Housing Options Officer for 3 months ongoing, at the rate of £28 per hour umbrella.
Office presence required at least once a week. Phone Duty included within the role.
Job responsibilities:
- To deliver first class customer service which provides the customer with a suitable solution regarding their housing issues and satisfaction is high.
- To provide advice face to face, by phone and online regarding housing options and prevention enquiries to customers in buildings used by the Royal Borough to deliver customer services.
- To conduct outreach visits at customers' homes, prison, hostel, hospital or other locations in-line with documented procedures including arranging and attending surgeries where set out by the Senior Management.
- Ensure that housing options, other than Part VII applications, are fully explored in all cases to maximise opportunities for preventing homelessness.
- Assess homelessness applications within Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 including cases for acceptance, refusal or referral to other Authorities. Make decisions on where homeless households will be placed into temporary accommodation and advise the Housing Assistant to make arrangements for sign up and housing benefit assistance if appropriate.
- To provide expert advice and assistance to stakeholders and customers with housing problems, particularly those living in the private rented sector, and take action to prevent homelessness.
- Investigate and make every effort to resolve landlord/tenants disputes, seeking to conciliate wherever possible and ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of their rights, responsibilities and remedies.
- Achieve individual performance objectives, targets and service standards and contribute to the achievement of team plan objectives and targets.
- Manage a personal caseload and maintain accurate and detailed casework records. In addition manage priorities and meet individual and service performance targets and deadlines.
Qualification/ Education / Training:
- 4 GCSE's including Maths & English.
- Educated to A-level / NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- HND/NVQ4 level or experience in relevant field.
- Housing Qualification attained or currently being studied.
- Project management training (Desirable).
- NVQ2 in Customer Service (Desirable).
Experience:
- A comprehensive understanding and awareness of housing issues, and of government policy relating to homelessness.
- Vast experience of interviewing people who are under stress, emotional and/or living in unsatisfactory housing conditions.
- Proven ability to manage difficult situations remaining calm, friendly and professional.
- Experience of working in partnership with local authorities or other housing providers.
- Extensive experience of working in confidential situations with an understanding of when and how to share sensitive information with customers and relevant agencies.
- A high level of experience of working in a Housing Needs, Local Authority Lettings or equivalent environment.
Should your skills match the above please send through your updated CV.
Eden Brown is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Eden Brown Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Housing Options Officer employer: Eden Brown
Contact Detail:
Eden Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. When you walk into that interview, you want to show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We all know the classics like 'Tell me about yourself' or 'What are your strengths?' but make sure you tailor your answers to highlight your experience in housing issues and customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them! This shows you’re engaged and serious about the role. Ask about their approach to preventing homelessness or how they support their staff in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Housing Options Officer role. Highlight your experience with housing issues and customer service, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in managing difficult situations and providing solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about helping people with housing issues. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the job description, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the role!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Housing Options Officer, communication is crucial. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether it's through your writing style or by mentioning past experiences where you’ve successfully advised customers face-to-face or over the phone.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Brown
✨Know Your Housing Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of housing issues and government policies related to homelessness. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the challenges faced by customers.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past, especially in stressful situations. Think about times when you’ve helped someone find a solution to their housing problems or resolved disputes effectively.
✨Practice Your Interview Techniques
Since this role involves interviewing people under stress, practice your interview techniques. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable asking questions and managing difficult conversations while remaining calm and professional.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific housing situations. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your approach to resolving them, focusing on empathy and effective communication.