At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people find housing solutions and prevent homelessness in a supportive team environment.
- Company: Rushmoor Borough Council, dedicated to community welfare and housing support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on community support and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them secure stable housing.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and knowledge of relevant legislation is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Rushmoor Borough Council is looking for an experienced, highly professional and enthusiastic person to join our Housing Options team. You will work as part of a team of Housing Officers, interviewing and assessing those in housing need.
About the role
This role requires an individual to have a good working knowledge of housing advice, options and homelessness. You will manage your own caseload and work collaboratively with other partner agencies. You will work with members of the public to prevent them from losing their current home or to support them to secure a new one. The focus of the role is to prevent households from being homeless whilst working within the legal framework. The successful candidate will have the ability to negotiate within different environments. You will be required to have difficult conversations and deliver on realistic expectations.
About you
Previous experience working as a housing officer considering and assessing homeless applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 Part 7 as amended by the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 is essential and have an understanding of Renters Rights Act 2025. Additionally, knowledge of providing advice on all housing options, beyond homelessness, such as allocation of social housing.
You must be able to demonstrate that you have:
- Actively worked with clients to prevent their homelessness by assisting them to retain their existing accommodation or secure alternative housing when all other housing options or solutions are exhausted.
- Reached determinations and recommendations on homelessness cases, in accordance with the legislation and relevant case law.
- Negotiated with landlords, parents and other agencies, both statutory and non-statutory to find the best solutions to clients' housing needs.
- Advised clients on their housing options regarding private rented, house shares, supported accommodation or access to other housing options.
- Provided tenancy, rights of occupation, welfare and benefits advice to clients to ensure that they have the best possible opportunities to retain their current accommodation or sustain their new accommodation.
- Developed robust action plans so customers have the best chance to improve their housing options, including the wider support planning, linking with education, employment, health and other support providers and agencies.
Initially the work will be office based, the role will then move to a hybrid role with a mixture of office / home working. This is at the discretion of the manager. The successful applicant will need to have a DBS check.
Location: Council Office, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JU
Housing Officer in Farnborough employer: Rushmoor Borough Council
Rushmoor Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, employees in the Housing Options team benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for growth within the local government sector. The council is committed to making a meaningful impact in the community, providing a rewarding environment for those passionate about housing and social welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Officer in Farnborough
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Rushmoor Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Rushmoor Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Officer in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Rushmoor Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rushmoor Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Rushmoor Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Rushmoor Borough Council.
