Housing Options Visiting Officer

Tower Hamlets Housing Option Service is looking to recruit a Housing Option Visiting Officer. Tower Hamlets is a diverse borough that has a high demand for housing and a limited supply. As a Housing Option Visiting Officer, you will work on the frontline to offer support and advice to people who are potentially homeless. You will help in preventing homelessness and look to offer viable options and solutions; these will include but are not limited to, planned ways of leaving home for singles and families, mediation support, private rented sector accommodation, and measures to help support victims of domestic abuse. You will also provide emergency accommodation where necessary and help relieve homelessness.

You will need to be able to work well under pressure and use your own initiative – you will be expected to deal with members of the public. An empathetic and active listener will be key in building trust with clients and managing expectations when interviewing homeless singles and families. Being an effective communicator and strong partnership working will also be essential to this role as will effectively signposting to relevant agencies and organisations for support. You will need to also be proficient in the use of IT.

To be considered for this role, ideally, you would have experience of working with vulnerable people and working knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. However, what’s more important is how you demonstrate your transferable skills for this role. Your passion and reasons for why you want to work within homelessness services as well as a can-do attitude will be of utmost importance too; because we believe that having the right calibre of people in post to conduct these roles is essential in providing vulnerable homeless people with the services they require.

In return for the above, we can offer ongoing relevant training, support and continuous mentoring for the right candidates to help support you along in your career within Homelessness Services.

The role involves visiting applicants who are potentially homeless and their excluders where appropriate to assess their circumstances and verify homelessness. You will provide advice on a range of housing options available to applicants and their excluder. You will prevent homelessness where appropriate and use judgement to make timely and relevant interventions. You will advise excluders where applicable of available tenancy support services including income maximisation, debt and rent arrears advice, cost of living grants and Universal Credit support. You will verify details supplied by applicants and confirm homelessness. You will ensure the service provided to the customer complies with relevant legislation. You will update the Personalised Housing Plan with relevant changes as appropriate in liaison with the case officer. You may conduct visits outside core hours when required based on the circumstances of the case.

We are looking for a candidate with in-depth housing knowledge, including understanding of duties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996, the Homelessness Act 2002, Landlord and Tenant Legislation, Housing Act 1985, and Protection from Eviction Act 1977. You should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex matters objectively and persuasively in various formats. Experience working in a busy customer-oriented environment, delivering excellent customer service, and managing team performance is essential.

We are proud of our diversity and our distinct and vibrant communities. Our borough has a history of welcoming migrants, reflected in our values. You will share the values of fairness and equality that are shared across all of our services.

We offer brand new state-of-the-art offices in the heart of the East End with great transport connections. We are right next to Whitechapel Station, putting all London within easy reach of the town hall. Join us and make a significant impact on preventing homelessness in Tower Hamlets!

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.