At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families navigate housing challenges and prevent homelessness.
- Company: Essex County Council supporting Braintree District Council.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £31.00 per hour and valuable experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining essential skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, empathy, and experience in housing advice.
The predicted salary is between 31 - 31 £ per hour.
Temporary, Full Time
Up to £31.00 per hour umbrella
Location: Braintree
Closing Date: 22nd June 2026
Overview
Essex County Council (ECC) is delighted to be supporting Braintree District Council to recruit a Housing Options Officer on a 3-month temporary basis. The purpose of this role is to provide a front‑line, customer‑focused service to individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties. It involves assessing housing needs and providing specialist advice in respect of all housing options in order to prevent and relieve homelessness. When prevention opportunities have been exhausted, the officer will undertake investigations to determine the Council’s duties under Pt V11 Housing Act 1996, as amended, and ensure that statutory obligations are carried out. Please note that this role will be based on site 2‑3 days per week and will require you to be on site full time during the initial training period.
Accountabilities
- Provide a comprehensive frontline service to customers seeking advice and assistance with regards to their housing needs, irrespective of tenure, either in person or by telephone.
- Participate in the Housing Options duty rota (including triage) and respond to emergencies as required.
- Take action to prevent and relieve homelessness, including visits to applicants’ parents, negotiation with landlords and mortgage companies, referral to other agencies, and use of the Council’s Homelessness Prevention Fund.
- Provide customers with expert, professional, comprehensive advice and information on all aspects of housing options work specific to their assessed needs, including undertaking basic financial and benefits assessments.
- Produce Personalised Housing Plans following assessment of needs; monitor customers’ actions and perform the authority’s actions.
- Help customers access a range of housing opportunities, including social housing, private rented accommodation, supported housing and shared/home ownership, and assess customers’ suitability for the Council’s Deposit Bond and/or Rental Loan schemes.
- Liaise, establish, maintain and develop links with Social Care teams, health providers, Registered Providers, private landlords and other statutory or voluntary agencies as appropriate and ensure that referrals are made as necessary, recorded and followed up as required.
- Attend case conferences and joint assessment interviews with Social Care teams or other organisations as necessary.
- Facilitate Housing Advice Surgeries and provide out‑reach services at other venues as required.
- Undertake formal investigations under Pt V11 Housing Act 1996 (as amended) and associated guidance and legislation when homelessness cannot be prevented, and issue cogent s184 decision letters within required timescales.
Qualifications
- Good interviewing and interpersonal skills, excellent organisational and communication skills coupled with an empathetic style. Strong IT skills and letter‑writing skills are also important.
- Experience of providing housing advice to the public and of liaising with other statutory, voluntary or private sector organisations.
- Previous experience of working in a housing service or a similar area of work.
- Experience of issuing Personalised Housing Plans (PHP).
- Experience of writing s184 decisions.
- Willingness to carry out face‑to‑face housing options interview with homeless applicants.
- Ability to manage own workload, be proactive while working within a team to achieve team objectives.
- Experience of using Civica (Abritas).
Housing Options Officer – Braintree DC employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council (ECC) offers a rewarding opportunity for a Housing Options Officer at Braintree District Council, where you will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing housing challenges. With a strong commitment to employee development, ECC fosters a collaborative work culture that values empathy and community service, providing you with the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive pay and flexible working arrangements. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those in need within a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer – Braintree DC
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer – Braintree DC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Essex County Counci.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Essex County Counci that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
