At a Glance
- Tasks: Help end rough sleeping by supporting homeless households and finding housing solutions.
- Company: Join the friendly Horsham District Council with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous benefits package.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided; no prior housing experience necessary.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and experience in multi-agency environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
About you:
To succeed as a Housing Options Officer in this role you will be a dedicated individual with a passion to end rough sleeping in the Horsham District. You will be self‑motivated and able to prioritise your workload with face‑to‑face and telephone contact with homeless applicants as well as responsibilities to meet the Council’s duty by writing in depth housing decision letters. You will be able to work successfully in a large team and have experience of working in a multi‑agency environment. You will be required to participate in the out of hours homelessness rota (approx. one week in ten, for which you will receive additional payment).
We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our team. If you have experience working with vulnerable tenants and a background in housing, we would love to hear from you. We believe in the potential of passionate individuals, and we provide comprehensive training to ensure you have the necessary skills to excel in this role. Please do not be discouraged from applying if you have not worked in housing options before, we recognise the value of transferrable skills and willingness to learn just as much as experience.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Amy Johnstone, Housing Options Team Leader on 01403 215 553
About us:
We have a friendly and supportive working environment and being a smaller Council, you can really get to know everybody.
We encourage and support our employees to have a healthy work life balance by offering 28 days’ (207.2 hours) annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rata), and flexible/hybrid working options where applicable.
We offer a generous benefits package including an online platform offering discounts from online retailers and access to a car lease scheme. Staff are also eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), where the Council contributes circa 20% of pensionable salary.
To support employees’ professional development the Council provides reimbursement for professional subscriptions and a number of training opportunities, including extensive in‑house learning resources, short courses, Apprenticeships, and qualifications such as Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), Master of Business Administration (MBA).
If you would like to apply for the role, we highly recommend you show clearly within the ‘Experience Section’ of the application form how you meet the essential criteria detailed within the Role Profile when applying. If you do not make this clear, it is unlikely you will be shortlisted for interview.
Internal applicants, if you would like to apply for the role, please submit an expression of interest to HR@horsham.gov.uk explaining clearly how you meet the criteria and what you feel you can bring to the role.
Repeat applications for the same role will not be considered, unless relevant changes to experience and skills can be demonstrated.
The easiest way to apply for a job vacancy is online.
Housing Options Officer in Horsham employer: Horsham District Council
Horsham District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where employees can truly make a difference in the community. With a strong focus on professional development, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to ending rough sleeping, this role as a Housing Options Officer provides meaningful opportunities for personal and career growth in a dynamic team dedicated to social impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Horsham
✨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 the Council's recent initiatives and challenges in housing. Show us that you're not just passionate about ending rough sleeping but also informed about the local context and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your decision-making skills! Since you'll be making section 184 decisions, think through some hypothetical scenarios and how you'd approach them. This will help you feel more confident during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining our team at Horsham District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for ending rough sleeping in the Horsham District. We want to see that you genuinely care about helping those in need, so let your passion shine through in your application!
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the 'Experience Section', clearly outline how your background aligns with the essential criteria. Whether it's working with vulnerable tenants or in a multi-agency environment, we want to know how your skills can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex decision-making. Make sure your writing reflects your ability to communicate effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horsham District Council
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Understanding these laws will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Housing Options Officer, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've helped vulnerable individuals or families. This will highlight your dedication to ending rough sleeping and your ability to connect with those in need.
✨Prepare for Decision-Making Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle various scenarios involving homeless households and be ready to discuss your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working in a large team and a multi-agency environment, prepare to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives where teamwork played a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes.
