At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to tackle homelessness and support vulnerable citizens in Melton.
- Company: Join Melton Borough Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options and a strong understanding of homelessness legislation required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to improving services for the community.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Housing Options Service is a very busy environment and faces several challenges to meet the housing needs of citizens of Melton. We are currently looking for a Senior Housing Options Officer to provide additional homelessness expertise, line management and support to the Strategic Lead, Supporting Communities.
The team are responsible for the delivery of the following service functions:
- Provision of the statutory homeless service
- Provision of temporary accommodation
- Management of the housing register
- Allocation of council housing
You would be part of a team who are focused on preventing households from becoming homeless as well as providing tailored support and interventions. When someone does become homeless this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our borough.
An exciting opportunity has become available within the Housing Options team. As a Senior Housing Options Officer, you’ll be responsible for supporting the Council to carry out homelessness duties under The Housing Act 1996, as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You will be responsible for line management of 2 x housing options officers, a temporary accommodation officer, a triage and allocations officer and housing options support officer whilst maintaining a caseload of clients.
You will have oversight of use of temporary accommodation, of all homeless cases and assist officers with points of legislation when required. In this fast‑paced service area, you will need to be creative, adaptable, and hardworking in order to prevent homelessness and provide excellent case management services to our customers.
The main duties of this role include:
- Providing line management responsibility to housing options officers, the triage and allocation officer and housing options support officer.
- Conducting case sampling of homeless and housing register cases and report on findings.
- Completing assessments with customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Making decisions in line with homelessness legislation and communicating to applicants in writing.
- Mediating between applicants and landlords.
- Working on a rota basis to cover front line homelessness functions.
The successful candidate will be customer focused, be organised and have a thorough understanding of homeless legislation. You will also fully understand the difficulties faced by people facing homelessness and have a proactive attitude to resolving difficult situations. You will be a team player but confident to work independently and have a flexible attitude to working under pressure. We are looking for an individual with a positive outlook and a desire to deliver a quality service to the community we serve.
A thorough working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of applications is key and you will have a good working knowledge of Excel. You must be able to maintain and update electronic information systems in accordance with data protection regulations.
This role reports directly to the Strategic Lead, Supporting Communities and will be part of our wider Housing and Communities team.
At Melton Borough Council we are continually looking at how we can improve our service and processes and want someone to help us to deliver it!
Working for Melton BC provides an excellent range of benefits and family friendly working policies. These include flexi‑time with no core hours, agile working arrangements which enables multi‑site and home working, generous leave entitlement, a full week off at Christmas, Local Authority Pension Scheme and a clear commitment to your continued professional development.
We look forward to hearing from you if you are looking for the chance to work for a forward thinking Council and make a real difference to the people of Melton and surrounding area.
We guarantee an interview to anyone who is a reservist, veteran or has a disability and meets the criteria for the role.
If you would like an informal chat, please do not hesitate to get in touch with: Rachel Chubb, Strategic Lead - Supporting Communities E‑Mail: rchubb@melton.gov.uk Phone: 01664 502510
Closing date: 06 February 2026 Interview date: w/c 16 February 2026 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your application as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.
Senior Housing Options Officer employer: Melton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Melton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of homelessness legislation. Being able to discuss The Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 confidently will show you’re serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your passion for helping vulnerable people. When you find a job that excites you, tailor your approach to highlight how your skills can make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Melton Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with homelessness legislation and case management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Senior Housing Options Officer.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves line management, let us know about your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported your team in challenging situations, as teamwork is key in our busy environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your qualifications and experiences, especially when discussing your understanding of the Housing Act and related legislation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Melton Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on The Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role and can navigate the complexities of homelessness legislation.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As a Senior Housing Options Officer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of your previous management experiences, focusing on how you've supported and developed team members. Highlight any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
This role is all about helping vulnerable people. Be ready to share stories that illustrate your commitment to customer service and how you've made a positive impact in previous roles. Think about times when you went above and beyond for someone in need.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific situations related to homelessness and housing. Practice answering scenario-based questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. This will help you demonstrate your adaptability and creativity.