Housing Officer, Social Work

Neway International are seeking a Housing Officer to join our client, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, based at Tower Hamlets Town Hall.

Location:

Tower Hamlets Town Hall

Hours:

35 per week (09:00–17:00)

Start Date:

16 March 2026
End Date: initially for 6 months (likely to be extended)
Work Pattern: 3 days office-based, 2 days hybrid

Tower Hamlets is one of London’s most diverse and fast‑paced boroughs, with high housing demand and complex homelessness pressures. The Housing Options Service provides frontline support to residents at risk of homelessness, delivering statutory duties and offering practical, sustainable solutions to prevent and relieve homelessness.

As a Housing Officer (Lead Professional Officer), you will work directly with individuals and families who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. You will assess needs, provide advice, develop personalised housing plans, and identify viable housing options. This includes mediation, planned moves, private rented sector solutions, domestic abuse support pathways, and emergency accommodation where required. You will manage a busy caseload, participate in a duty rota, and work closely with internal teams and external partners.

The role requires strong decision‑making, excellent communication, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining empathy and professionalism.

• Provide frontline housing advice to prevent and relieve homelessness.
• Conduct homelessness assessments in line with statutory duties.
• Develop and review personalised housing plans with customers.
• Manage a varied caseload, ensuring timely and accurate case progression.
• Write legally compliant decision letters and maintain high‑quality case records.
• Participate in a busy duty rota, interviewing clients and managing expectations.
• Liaise with internal departments, external agencies, and support services.
• Arrange emergency accommodation where required.
• Support victims of domestic abuse with safe and appropriate housing options.
• Signpost customers to relevant support services and community resources.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of housing legislation and local procedures.

• In‑depth knowledge of housing legislation, including:
  • Part VII Housing Act 1996
  • Homelessness Act 2002
  • Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
  • Landlord & Tenant legislation
  • Housing Act 1985
  • Protection from Eviction Act 1977
• Experience working with vulnerable people in a customer‑facing environment.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a demanding caseload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and make sound decisions.
• Experience working in a public sector or high‑volume housing environment.
• Leadership skills and experience supporting or guiding team performance.
• Proficiency in IT systems and digital case management tools.
• DBS check required.