At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by providing expert advice and creating personalised housing plans.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to building thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while tackling housing crises head-on.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of housing issues required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join our team. We are looking for a Housing Solutions Officer to join our Housing Solutions team. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role: We are focused on the prevention of homelessness, and our Housing Solutions Officers play a key role in the delivery of our homelessness service, working to fulfil the statutory duties in respect of homelessness and access to housing, whilst working in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. As one of our team of Housing Solutions Officers, you will work directly with people facing a housing crisis, providing expert advice and taking proactive steps to prevent homelessness. The role involves managing a busy caseload, creating personalised housing plans, making statutory homelessness decisions, and working closely with partner agencies and landlords to secure sustainable housing options. Focusing on preventing homelessness, you will assist households in sustaining their current accommodation or securing alternative options to meet their housing and support needs by undertaking comprehensive assessments and carrying out enquiries into each case to establish the council's responsibilities under the homelessness legislation. This is a fast‑paced, problem‑solving role, where you will help households find safe, stable accommodation while ensuring legal duties are met, working on your own initiative but also as part of a dedicated team committed to the prevention of homelessness.
About you: We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator, motivated and passionate in their approach to assisting homeless households. You will have a strong understanding of housing or homelessness issues and the ability to interpret legislation and apply it to individual cases. You should have experience of making decisions on homelessness applications and understand the legal tests that need to be applied when reaching a decision. You must demonstrate comprehensive experience of Welfare Benefits, including Universal Credit, be able to manage a busy and varied caseload, work independently, and respond effectively to changing priorities. You should be able to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, communicate clearly and maintain high standards of accuracy and fairness, work well with colleagues and partner agencies, and be committed to delivering a respectful and inclusive service to all customers.
About us: At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with 60 conservation areas, two National Landscapes, and many picturesque market towns. It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits: Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years). Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme. Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs. Private Health Care Options. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme. Paid volunteering days. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting). Great learning and development opportunities.
Our ways of working: We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For more information: For an informal discussion or to learn more about hybrid working for this role, please contact Sarah Aldous by either calling 01449 724509 or emailing: sarah.aldous@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 5 pm, 11 June 2026.
How to apply: Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement should clearly address how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Housing Solutions Officer in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities. Our Housing Solutions Officers play a vital role in preventing homelessness, supported by a collaborative work culture that values flexibility, professional development, and employee wellbeing. With generous leave entitlements, competitive pension schemes, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, we offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Solutions Officer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to housing solutions and homelessness. Practice your responses, focusing on your experience and how it aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced nature of the Housing Solutions Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Solutions Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you align with the role of Housing Solutions Officer, so make sure you understand what we're looking for!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Highlight your experience and skills that match the criteria in the Person Specification. We love seeing how you can bring your unique strengths to our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure your points are easy to follow. We want to see how you can effectively communicate with our residents and partners!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing legislation. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to real-life scenarios will show your understanding and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Housing Solutions Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated sensitive situations or resolved conflicts in the past to demonstrate your skills.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've tackled complex issues or managed a busy caseload. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to achieve positive outcomes for those you were helping.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with partner agencies and colleagues. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment and how collaboration has led to successful housing solutions in your previous roles.
