At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals and families facing housing challenges with advice and support.
- Company: Join a local authority dedicated to preventing homelessness in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 30-hour work week with a competitive hourly rate.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of housing law and experience in housing advice is essential.
- Other info: An enhanced DBS check is required, and you'll collaborate with a Job Share colleague.
Job Description
�? Housing Options Officer – Local Authority?? Based in the Midlands | ?? 30 hours per week | ?? Initial 3-month contract?? £14.03 per hour |?? Enhanced DBS Required
Are you passionate about making a real difference to people at risk of homelessness? A local authority in the Midlands is looking for a committed and knowledgeable Housing Options Officer to join its Housing Services team within the Place & Prosperity directorate.
You'll play a vital frontline role in helping individuals and families facing housing challenges, ensuring the authority meets its legal duties under the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, and related legislation.
?? Key Responsibilities:
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Provide advice and support to those in housing need, ensuring a high standard of service in line with statutory requirements.
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Carry out robust investigations and make consistent decisions within statutory timeframes.
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Work closely with internal teams and external partners to secure suitable housing solutions, including arranging temporary accommodation.
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Support and manage temporary accommodation, including liaison on housing benefits and rent payments.
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Build partnerships with housing providers, private landlords, statutory agencies and voluntary organisations to improve outcomes for clients.
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Maintain accurate casework records, provide statistics and support new service initiatives.
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Offer practical advice to customers to maximise their benefit entitlement and financial wellbeing.
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Contribute to homelessness prevention by working collaboratively with colleagues across services.
? What You'll Bring:
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Strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, housing law, and current statutory frameworks.
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Experience working in a housing advice, homelessness or housing options environment.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to sensitively handle difficult situations.
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Strong organisational and case management skills.
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A commitment to delivering equitable, person-centred services.
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An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
?? Additional Information:
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The role includes working in partnership with a Job Share colleague to deliver a consistent service across the working week.
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The organisation is committed to equal opportunities, inclusive service delivery, and a safe, professional working environment.
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You will be expected to comply with all organisational policies, including those related to health and safety and conduct.
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Occasional attendance at meetings and preparation of reports may be required.
If you're motivated by the opportunity to positively impact people's lives and are ready to use your expertise to support those facing housing difficulties – we want to hear from you.
Housing Administration Officer/Housing Options Officer employer: Red Snapper Group
Contact Detail:
Red Snapper Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Administration Officer/Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to the position during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in housing services or related fields. Attend local community events or workshops focused on homelessness and housing issues. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully handled difficult situations or provided support to individuals in need. Having specific examples ready will showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to manage challenging cases effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local authority's current housing initiatives and challenges. Being informed about their specific context will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your skills and experience align with their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Administration Officer/Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Housing Options Officer position, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have in housing advice, homelessness, or related fields. Use specific examples to demonstrate your knowledge of housing legislation and your ability to handle difficult situations.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your organisational abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed casework or collaborated with other teams to achieve positive outcomes.
Personalise Your Application: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your passion for making a difference in people's lives. Mention why you are specifically interested in working for this local authority and how you align with their values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Snapper Group
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will demonstrate your strong working knowledge of homelessness legislation, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Prepare examples of how you've handled difficult situations in the past. Highlight your excellent communication skills and your ability to provide sensitive support to individuals facing housing challenges.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Be ready to discuss your case management experience. Share specific instances where you successfully managed multiple cases or projects, ensuring that you met statutory timeframes and maintained accurate records.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Talk about your experience working with internal teams and external partners. Illustrate how you've built partnerships with housing providers or voluntary organisations to secure housing solutions for clients.