At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support vulnerable residents in securing housing solutions.
- Company: Join a busy Housing Needs team in Lambeth, London.
- Benefits: Earn £30.67 per hour with a full-time agency contract.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available; quick start to your impactful career.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing roles and strong knowledge of homelessness legislation required.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Options Officer to join a busy Housing Needs team in Lambeth. This is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in preventing and relieving homelessness, supporting vulnerable residents, and delivering high-quality housing advice in line with current homelessness legislation.
Working in a fast-paced local authority environment, you will manage a diverse caseload, carrying out housing needs assessments, developing personalised housing plans, and helping residents secure sustainable housing solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake comprehensive housing needs assessments and create personalised housing plans in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Manage a complex caseload of households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Deliver effective homelessness prevention and relief through advice, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy.
- Assess homelessness applications under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and make recommendations on statutory duties.
- Provide housing advice through face-to-face appointments, telephone enquiries, and customer drop-in services.
- Assess temporary accommodation needs and arrange placements where appropriate.
- Work closely with private landlords, registered providers, support agencies, and internal teams to secure sustainable housing outcomes.
- Support residents affected by welfare reform, helping them access affordable housing options and maximise their income.
- Maintain accurate, detailed case records and ensure compliance with legislation, statutory guidance, and local authority procedures.
About You
- Previous experience working as a Housing Options Officer, Homelessness Prevention Officer, or in a similar local authority housing role.
- Strong knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), and current homelessness legislation.
- Experience managing a busy and complex homelessness caseload.
- Excellent negotiation, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families in challenging situations.
- Strong communication and customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships.
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
- Experience using housing management and case management systems.
What's on Offer?
- £30.67 per hour (Umbrella).
- Full-time agency contract.
- Immediate interview and quick start available.
- Opportunity to work within a busy and supportive Housing Needs team.
- Gain valuable experience in a high-performing London local authority.
- Make a meaningful difference by helping residents avoid homelessness and secure sustainable accommodation.
If you have the experience, knowledge, and commitment to delivering high-quality homelessness prevention services, we would love to hear from you. Apply today for immediate consideration.
Housing Adviser (SO2) in Lambeth employer: LinsCare
Join our dedicated Housing Needs team in Lambeth, where you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable residents facing homelessness. We offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, alongside competitive pay and immediate start options. As a Housing Adviser, you'll gain invaluable experience in a dynamic local authority environment, all while contributing to meaningful change in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Adviser (SO2) in Lambeth
✨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 Adviser (SO2) in Lambeth
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 LinsCare
✨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 LinsCare.
✨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 LinsCare 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.
