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 options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, promoting flexibility and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of housing issues are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 44075 € per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £37,280 - £44,075 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term/Secondment for 9 months (maternity cover)
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
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
- have experience of making decisions on homelessness applications and understand the legal tests that need to be applied when reaching a decision
- 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
- 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 will 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
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 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.
For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page.
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
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity. Closing date: 5.00pm, 11 June 2026.
How to apply. Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Supporting statement clearly addresses 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 Jobs Direct
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive development opportunities, all within the picturesque setting of Suffolk. Join our passionate team and contribute to meaningful work that helps prevent homelessness and supports our residents in finding stable housing solutions.
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 for Housing Solutions Officers. Practice your responses, focusing on your experience with homelessness legislation and case management. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for helping others! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in people's lives. This role is all about making an impact, so let your enthusiasm for the job come through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
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. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Housing Solutions Officer and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. We want to see how your experience and passion for preventing homelessness can make a difference.
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 application is well-structured. This will show us that you can handle sensitive situations professionally.
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 on joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant housing legislation. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to individual cases 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 handled sensitive situations or communicated complex information clearly in the past.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to manage a busy caseload or adapt to changing priorities. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've helped individuals find sustainable housing solutions.
✨Research the Councils
Familiarise yourself with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils' values and community initiatives. Showing that you understand their mission and are passionate about making a difference will set you apart from other candidates.
