At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing housing challenges and help them secure suitable accommodation.
- Company: Gravesham Borough Council, dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Gravesham Borough Council is committed to supporting residents, strengthening communities, and delivering services that make a real difference to people’s lives. Serving over 106,000 residents, we play a key role in housing, regeneration, and community wellbeing across the borough. We’re proud to offer a supportive, professional working environment where staff are empowered to develop, collaborate and create positive change.
We’re looking for a Housing Options Officer to join our Housing Needs Team, supporting individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is a full-time hybrid role, based at the Civic Centre in Gravesend, with flexibility for some remote working.
In this role, you’ll:
- Provide clear, empathetic advice to residents facing housing challenges
- Assess homelessness applications and determine duties under housing legislation
- Develop and manage Personal Housing Plans to help people secure suitable accommodation
- Work closely with landlords, internal teams and external agencies
- Arrange emergency or temporary accommodation where required
- Support residents through what can be one of the most difficult periods of their lives
This is a challenging but highly rewarding role, where your work directly improves outcomes for vulnerable residents.
We’re seeking someone who is:
- Experienced in housing advice or homelessness services
- Confident working with housing legislation (Housing Act 1996 and related duties)
- A strong communicator, able to handle sensitive and complex situations
- Organised, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Skilled in case management and using housing IT systems
- A qualification in Housing Studies (Level 3 or 4) or equivalent experience is desirable.
Why Work for Gravesham?
- Competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme
- Hybrid working and flexible approach
- Career development, training and progression opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Free parking and generous annual leave
Apply by sending your CV and covering letter to: recruitment@gravesham.gov.uk or visit our website for more information.
Housing Options Officer in Gravesend employer: Gravesham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Gravesham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Gravesend
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gravesham Borough Council and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting residents and strengthening communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in case management and housing legislation during interviews. Use real-life examples to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex situations and provided effective solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Gravesham team.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Gravesend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in housing advice and homelessness services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about helping residents facing housing challenges. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the impact you can make.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Housing Options Officer, strong communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've handled sensitive situations or provided clear advice in the past. We want to know you can connect with residents effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find more info about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gravesham Borough Council
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and any related duties. Being able to discuss specific legislation during your interview will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Empathy is Key
Since you'll be supporting vulnerable residents, practice how to convey empathy in your responses. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve helped someone through a tough situation, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. You might be asked to handle a mock scenario, so think about how you would approach sensitive conversations and ensure you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Organisational Skills Matter
This role requires you to manage multiple cases simultaneously. Be prepared to discuss how you stay organised and prioritise tasks, perhaps by sharing tools or methods you use to keep track of your workload.