At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support residents in finding sustainable housing solutions.
- Company: Join Herefordshire Council's compassionate Housing Solutions Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and knowledge of housing legislation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
About The Role
Contract: Fixed Term until March 28.
Location: Hybrid, Blueschool House, Home and the Community
Hours: 37 hrs per week
Salary: HC 07 £32,061 - £36,363
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Interviews: w/c 14th September 2026
Introduction
Join Our Housing Solutions Team – Make a Real Difference. The Housing Solutions Team is the Council’s front-line operational housing service, based at Blueschool House and forming a key part of the wider Housing Service. We work directly with households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing acute housing need, providing practical support, advice, and meaningful solutions at some of the most challenging times in people’s lives.
The Role
Help make a real difference by preventing homelessness and supporting sustainable housing solutions across Herefordshire. We’re looking for a proactive and compassionate Housing Solutions Officer to join our dedicated Housing Team. This vital role focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible, providing early intervention and expert advice, and helping residents across the county access safe, sustainable housing options.
What will you be doing? Key Responsibilities:
- Prevent Homelessness: Provide comprehensive housing advice and early intervention to help residents maintain tenancies and avoid homelessness wherever possible.
- Case Management: Take and assess homelessness applications, conduct interviews, and make decisions in line with Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Code of Guidance, and relevant Council policies.
- Housing Options Advice: Deliver advice on all available housing options.
- Partnership Working: Collaborate with Home Point, Registered Providers, private landlords, and other partners to ensure fair allocation of accommodation and maximise the availability of housing stock across the county.
- Safeguarding: Always prioritise the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and families when carrying out housing duties.
About You
The Person We Are Looking For:
- Compassionate and empathetic – able to understand and respond sensitively to households in crisis.
- Strong communicator – able to explain complex information clearly and provide practical advice.
- A skilled communicator with empathy, resilience, and a solutions-focused mindset.
- Able to work effectively under pressure, managing a diverse caseload, with a ‘can do’ attitude.
- Organised and detail-oriented – capable of managing multiple enquiries efficiently while maintaining accurate records.
- Team player – willing to support colleagues and contribute positively to a collaborative working environment.
- Resilient and adaptable – able to work in a fast‑paced, high‑demand environment and manage challenging situations calmly.
- Customer-focused – committed to delivering excellent service and achieving positive outcomes for households in housing need.
- Confident in making robust, evidence-based decisions in accordance with homelessness legislation, including where the decision may be unwelcome or challenging for the client.
- Proactive and solution-focused – able to identify issues early and help find the best possible housing solutions.
- Experienced or knowledgeable – in housing legislation, homelessness prevention, and tenancy sustainment.
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- The chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of residents across Herefordshire.
- Salary range of £32,061 - £36,363.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period.
- Flexible working: including the potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits.
Why Choose Us?
- Work within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment.
- Make a meaningful impact on people’s independence and wellbeing.
- Contribute to innovative, accessible housing solutions across Herefordshire.
- Enjoy hybrid working: community visits, home working, and office collaboration.
- Access ongoing CPD, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
- Be part of a service that embodies our THRIVE values: Trust, Honesty, Responsibility, Inclusivity, Value, and Empathy.
Don’t meet all parts of the job description? Herefordshire Council is committed to strengthening a diverse and inclusive work environment which reflects the communities of Herefordshire. If you are looking at the next stage of your career and have a broad base of fieldwork experience, we can provide supportive and welcoming opportunities to help you develop your professional, management & supervisory skills.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk.
Creating an inclusive workplace
We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to help embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups, collectives of colleagues who often share identities, life experiences or cultures and offer support and community.
They also play an important role in strengthening the voices of employees at Herefordshire Council. Embedded in the Council's values is a commitment to listen to people's views and needs.
For more information on our Employee Network Groups please view our dedicated recruitment website: www.spiritofherefordshire.com.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and vulnerable adults. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact: (Vicky Baker - Vicky.Baker1@herefordshire.gov.uk).
Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile! If you are successfully shortlisted, Hoople Resourcing will contact you via email to arrange your interview and/or assessment. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview, so please keep an eye on your email inbox - check your spam/ junk folder too. Good luck, we’re looking forward to meeting you!
Housing Solutions Officer in Hereford employer: Hoople Ltd
Hoople Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where employees are valued and encouraged to grow. Located in the charming town of Ledbury, this temporary receptionist role provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment while enjoying flexible working hours and competitive pay. Join us for a rewarding experience that not only enhances your skills but also contributes to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer in Hereford
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
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We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Officer in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Hoople Ltd. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Hoople Ltd. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoople Ltd
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Hoople Ltd.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Housing Solutions Officer role at Hoople Ltd, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Hoople Ltd that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
