At a Glance
- Tasks: Help prevent homelessness by creating and reviewing Personalised Housing Plans with customers.
- Company: Join Wealden District Council, a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent salary, pension, free parking, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable people and knowledge of homelessness legislation is preferred.
- Other info: This role offers hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Contract Type: Full Time / Fixed Term until August 2026 / Open to Job Share
Hours: 37
Location: Hailsham / Hybrid
Are you looking for a new challenge?
An exciting opportunity has arisen to contribute towards the development and progression of our homelessness prevention service.
Who?
A proactive and innovative person is required to play a part in a service which is continually improving, with the objective of preventing and relieving homelessness.
What will you be doing?
- You will encourage applicants to help themselves through developing Personalised Housing Plans with customers.
- Monitoring and reviewing these plans regularly to prevent and relieve homelessness, ensuring that the customer and Council are working towards a housing solution to avoid homelessness.
What do you need?
- You will be able to deal with challenging situations sensitively, whilst also managing expectations and not being afraid to challenge perception.
- You will need to think on your feet, be able to have difficult conversations and provide practical solutions to resolve a housing crisis.
- You will also need to understand and convey complex information on all levels, including a working knowledge and understanding of homelessness legislation and an ability to craft legally-sound decision letters and notifications under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
- Experience of working with vulnerable people in a Housing context would be advantageous.
What do we offer?
- Working for a great, forward-thinking Local Authority.
- Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
- A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Hybrid working with the ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham.
- Free parking.
- Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.
Post Number:D3017
Closing Date: Wednesday 6 August 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities and all applications will be treated on merit.
To Apply
Please note the system will be down from Friday 1 – Sunday 3 August 2025.
Please visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for advice on how best to complete your application.
Click on the “Apply Online Now” link to be taken to our online recruitment portal. You will be prompted to log in to your existing account or create a new one. Remember to add a contact email address and mobile number when applying.
Please note applications could time out. So, ensure you have created an account and save your information as you go along. We would suggest you keep a copy of your personal statement on a separate document until you are ready to paste this into your application and submit.
If you are unable to apply online, have a query or require an alternative application method, please email human.resources@wealden.gov.uk or call 01892 602424. Make sure you know the post number and include it in your email or provide it when asked during your telephone call.
View or download our individual Privacy Notice for Job Applicants from the Privacy Policy link in page footer below
See our How to Apply page for guidance on how to complete your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Housing Options Officer employer: Wealden District Council
Contact Detail:
Wealden District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Understanding this legislation will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to navigate complex information.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as handling difficult conversations or managing expectations. Practising these situations can help you feel more confident during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Wealden District Council's current homelessness prevention initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their existing services will allow you to discuss how you can contribute to their goals effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the housing sector. Engaging with others who work in similar roles can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Housing Options Officer position. Highlight key skills such as dealing with challenging situations and understanding homelessness legislation.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Craft a personal statement that reflects your experience and skills relevant to the role. Use specific examples from your past work, especially in housing or with vulnerable people, to demonstrate your capability in handling complex situations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any previous roles or experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities of the Housing Options Officer. Emphasise your ability to develop personalised housing plans and your understanding of homelessness prevention strategies.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that all information is accurate and that your contact details are correct, as this will facilitate communication regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wealden District Council
✨Understand Homelessness Legislation
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and other relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Sensitivity
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've dealt with vulnerable individuals. Highlight how you approached challenging situations with empathy, as this is crucial for a Housing Options Officer.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've had to think on your feet and provide practical solutions. This role requires quick thinking, so demonstrating your ability to resolve crises effectively will be key.
✨Prepare Personalised Housing Plans
Familiarise yourself with the concept of Personalised Housing Plans. Be prepared to discuss how you would develop and monitor these plans, ensuring they meet the needs of customers while aligning with council objectives.