At a Glance
- Tasks: Help vulnerable customers with housing issues and prevent homelessness in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and enjoy a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to excellent customer service and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career in housing support.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable households and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you looking for an opportunity to use your experience and gain new skills in an interesting and fast-moving environment? We are currently recruiting for Housing Assessment & Advice Officers!
The Service:
Portsmouth City Council's Housing Needs Advice & Support team works directly with customers to help deal with housing issues and prevent homelessness in the city. We are a busy front-line service dealing with customers who may be vulnerable and facing homelessness. We give advice, work to prevent homelessness, assist people to resolve their housing need and make assessments of housing and support needs in accordance with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, the Housing Act 1996 and Portsmouth City Council's Allocations Policy. We are committed to excellent customer service, and to listening to and understanding our customers' circumstances, and working collaboratively with them to identify housing solutions. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting good practice and all employees are required to adhere to internal safeguarding policies.
Your New Role:
You will be part of a busy team which deals with customers both face to face and by telephone. You will be interviewing customers about their housing situation and working with them to find solutions to their housing issues. This may involve negotiation with landlords, other housing providers, family members and internal and external agencies. You will need to ask personal and searching questions and listen carefully to responses so that you fully understand the customer's circumstances. Your challenge will then be to identify actions and solutions to secure housing. You will need to manage a large case load, prioritise your work and have excellent organisational skills. You will also need to build effective working relationships with customers and landlords and explore all possible housing solutions to help prevent homelessness and the need to move.
Who is the person?
- Has experience of the issues faced by vulnerable and homeless households, and a desire to assist people with housing needs, and work proactively to resolve these issues.
- Can quickly adapt to the role, drawing on experience or transferable skills.
- Is confident and can clearly and effectively communicate verbally, interpreting legislation and explaining the impact to our customers.
- Can communicate clearly in writing, explaining legal decisions to both customers and partners.
- Understands the key elements to negotiations and can find ways to achieve outcomes for customers.
- Can listen to people and not rush to conclusions or judgements before fully understanding what is needed or wanted by a customer.
- Is emotionally resilient and able to deal with the impact of being exposed to customers' difficult circumstances, and remain professionally detached and focused even if the message you deliver involves saying no.
- Has experience of working directly with customers in a front-line service.
- Understands welfare benefits systems and the issues faced by customers experiencing financial difficulties.
- Has experience of equalities issues and is committed to equal opportunities.
- Understands safeguarding and can recognise safeguarding concerns and take appropriate action to manage risk.
- Can critically analyse information and keep clear case records.
- Works proactively and can remain motivated, working on their own initiative and organising and prioritising their workload.
- Enjoys the challenge in finding innovative solutions to problems and has the personal skills and experience to do so.
- Has IT skills suited to working in a busy office.
- Has knowledge of the local area and is able to visit people in their own homes and attend meetings in the local area.
- The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
When completing the application form, please thoroughly tailor your application to the 'Who is the Person' points with the use of examples from your experience. This is really important or you are likely not to be shortlisted.
Those shortlisted will be invited to a group assessment on the morning of Tuesday 27th January 2026. Interviews will be on Wednesday 28th or Thursday 29th January 2026.
Candidates who have applied within the last year and either not been shortlisted, or have been unsuccessful at assessment centre stage are requested to wait 12 months before re-application.
About Portsmouth City Council
What we can offer you:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact the recruitment team.
Housing Assessment & Advice Officer - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration. As a SEN Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs, while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment. Located in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, this role offers a unique chance to contribute to strategic SEND developments and be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to service improvement and community well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Assessment & Advice Officer - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Portsmouth City Council and their housing initiatives. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with vulnerable customers, being able to clearly explain complex issues is key. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past where you've successfully navigated tricky situations. Be ready to share these during interviews to demonstrate your ability to find innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about the role. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Assessment & Advice Officer - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the 'Who is the Person' points in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience that highlight how you meet these criteria. This will help us see why you're a great fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key for this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to explain complex information simply. We want to see how you can convey important details effectively, just like you would with customers.
Highlight Your Resilience:Working with vulnerable individuals can be tough, so don’t shy away from discussing your emotional resilience. Share experiences where you've managed difficult situations while remaining professional and focused—this will resonate with us.
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 quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the Housing Act 1996. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working, and it will help you answer questions about how you would apply this knowledge in real-life scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with vulnerable customers. Think of situations where you've successfully navigated sensitive conversations or provided support. This will highlight your emotional resilience and your commitment to excellent customer service.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've found innovative solutions to complex problems. This role requires a proactive approach, so share examples that illustrate your ability to think on your feet and negotiate effectively with landlords or other agencies.
✨Tailor Your Application
When filling out your application, make sure to align your experiences with the 'Who is the Person' points mentioned in the job description. Use clear examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you meet these criteria, as this will significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.
