Housing Options Officer

Housing Options Officer

• Location: Maidenhead (office attendance expected at least 1 day per week)
• Job Type: Temporary (ongoing until at least May)
• Hourly Rate: £17.09 PAYE / £19.07 Ltd/Umbrella (if you wish to be considered at a higher rate please advise on your submission, consideration will be made dependant on experience)

We are seeking a dedicated Housing Options Officer for our local authority client to play a pivotal role in delivering affordable housing solutions and managing homelessness services effectively. This position requires a strong understanding of viability assessments and involves collaboration with our in-house legal team. The role includes office presence at least once a week and involves phone duty.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Engage directly with customers to understand their housing needs, provide advice, and seek solutions.
• Deliver an effective and efficient Housing Options, Homelessness Prevention, and statutory Homelessness service.
• Provide first-class customer service, ensuring high satisfaction by resolving housing issues.
• Conduct outreach visits at various locations including homes, prisons, and hospitals as per documented procedures.
• Explore all housing options to prevent homelessness and assess homelessness applications within Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Provide expert advice to stakeholders and customers, particularly those in the private rented sector, to prevent homelessness.
• Investigate landlord/tenant disputes, gather evidence, and prepare for potential prosecution if necessary.
• Manage a personal caseload, maintain detailed records, and meet performance targets and deadlines.
• Update and record information accurately and timely as required by guidance and established procedures.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of housing law and a wide range of welfare benefits.
• Experience in a similar role, preferably within a local government setting.
• Strong understanding of the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords in the private rented sector.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in managing detailed casework and maintaining accurate records.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant community service.
• Professional development and training in housing and homelessness services.

To apply for the Housing Options Officer position, please submit your CV