At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness and support vulnerable clients in a busy housing service.
- Company: Local authority dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £24.63 per hour, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your skills in housing services.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing advice and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a proactive team focused on continuous improvement and service development.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Housing Options Officer on behalf of a local authority based in B37. This is a frontline role within a busy Housing Options service, focused on preventing and relieving homelessness in line with statutory requirements.
The post holder will be responsible for managing a complex caseload, conducting homelessness assessments, and making decisions under the Homelessness Reduction Act. The role also involves working closely with internal and external partners to secure accommodation solutions and support customers with a wide range of needs.
Key duties:- Processing and investigating applications for housing assistance, homelessness, and threatened homelessness.
- Determining statutory duties owed under the Homeless Reduction Act.
- Delivering homelessness prevention and relief interventions.
- Securing suitable temporary and emergency accommodation where required.
- Maintaining regular contact with households in temporary accommodation.
- Supporting vulnerable clients including those with mental health, substance misuse, offending history, domestic abuse and complex social needs.
- Conducting interviews, home visits and multi-agency meetings.
- Managing customer records, case notes and evidence to required standards.
- Working in partnership with Children’s Services, Police, Domestic Abuse teams, Health, Housing Associations and voluntary agencies.
- Making referrals into supported housing and other specialist services.
- Contributing to continuous improvement and service development.
- Experience in housing advice or homelessness prevention.
- Strong understanding of housing legislation and homelessness law.
- Ability to manage a varied and complex caseload.
- Strong communication, negotiation and customer service skills.
- Ability to work effectively with vulnerable households.
- Car driver/vehicle owner essential.
- Knowledge of welfare rights, landlord & tenant law, immigration and social housing policy.
- Experience of conflict management.
- Housing qualification / CIH membership.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact on homelessness prevention within a proactive Housing Options service.
To apply or request further information, please contact: George Westhead Recruitment Consultant – Housing Division.
Housing Options Officer in Solihull employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer in Solihull
✨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 interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of housing legislation and the Homelessness Reduction Act. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact in the housing sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Housing Options Officer role. Highlight your experience in housing advice and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our mission of preventing homelessness!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your strong communication and negotiation skills have made a difference in past roles. We love seeing real examples of how you've supported vulnerable clients or managed complex caseloads.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Homelessness Reduction Act and other relevant housing legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or scenarios where you've applied this knowledge will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Housing Options Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated difficult conversations or negotiations in the past, especially with vulnerable clients.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've managed complex caseloads or found innovative solutions to housing issues. Highlighting your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances will impress interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you'd handle various situations related to homelessness prevention and support. Practise answering these types of questions, focusing on your approach to assessing needs and working collaboratively with other agencies.