At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and provide tailored housing solutions to those in need.
- Company: Join Runnymede Borough Council, a progressive and supportive team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 29 days leave, health insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious council shaping the future of local services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing assessments and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42957 - 46956 £ per year.
This an exciting opportunity to join Runnymede Borough Council as we continue our positive work preventing homelessness and ending rough sleeping in the area.
As the Housing Solutions Officer, you will
- Carry out initial assessments of individuals circumstances
- Provide tailored advice to enable the applicant to resolve their housing difficulty
- Confirm the duties the Council owe to the applicant in writing
- Continually review and update the advice and support we are able to provide to the applicant
- Provide a full housing solutions service, offering advice and assistance
- Make enquiries to satisfy yourself of the facts of the application
- Make lawful choices in accordance with the legislation
- You will have a manageable level of cases
- Quality check and provide case sign off
- Deputise for the Housing Solutions Manager
- Hybrid working 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
- Flexible working and Flexi-leave
- 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Excellent Pension Scheme
- Free Parking
- Training and development opportunities
- Payment of one professional membership per annum
- Cycle to work + further related discounts
- Season ticket loan
- Health insurance plan after 1 years’ service/ Dental after 3 years\' service
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Please note that Runnymede Borough Council is currently undertaking a pay and grading review, which is expected to be implemented during the summer.
The successful applicant will be appointed under the Council’s current grading and salary structure and, following implementation of the new framework, will be assimilated into the revised pay structure in line with all existing employees.
This grading in the new pay structure for this role will be RBC6 £42,957 to £46,956.
About You
You will be joining a supportive, friendly team and will reporting directly to the Housing Solutions Manager.
We are looking for a capable and ambitious individual to join our team who can provide excellent customer service to support us to continue delivering first class housing solutions services.
- We are looking for exceptional candidates with a range of skills including:
- Excellent working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended)
- Proven experience of carrying out detailed assessments
- Coaching skills to support and develop staff
- Good quality communication, both verbal and written
- A team player
- Encourages strategic thinking
- Able to work well under pressure
- Excellent Organisational Skills
- Confident in working in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Interviews Week Commencing Monday 31st August 2026
- About Runnymede
Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments.
As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects.
We continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.
From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey.
West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.
As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident‑focused council.
It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.
Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
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Senior Housing Solutions Officer employer: Runnymede
Runnymede Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises teamwork and exceptional customer service. With generous benefits such as 29 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and health insurance after one year, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Housing Solutions Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Runnymede.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Runnymede!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Runnymede, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Runnymede or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Housing Solutions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Runnymede:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Runnymede! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Runnymede
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
