Housing Options Officer

Job Category :
Housing Location :
County Hall, Somerset Council Hours Per Week :
37.00

Start Date:

Immediate Start Start Time : 08:30 End Time : 17:00 Salary: £22.00 All candidates must have a good working knowledge of the Homelessness Reduction Act and experience using the Locata system.

Workers must be able to deliver messaging to service users in a compassionate and sympathetic manner Provide advice, information and assistance to applicants who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Help applicants to explore their housing options and find suitable accommodation that meets their needs.

To work with a range of partners and agencies to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.

Referral signposting to supporting agencies.

• Remote working, Duty rota approx 2 days a week, details discussed at interview.

Case load to be managed alongside homelessness duty cover (08:30-17:00 daily Essential Desirable Effective written and verbal communication Ability to deal inventively and sensitively with a wide range and spectrum of people in greatly varying circumstances.

Knowledge of the Homelessness legislation. (Housing Act 1996, Homelessness Act 2002, Suitability Order 2012, Homelessness Reduction Act 2017) Knowledge of the Landlord and tenant law.

Ability to establish and manage realistic applicant expectations.

Knowledge of Options available to somebody that is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Ability to manage a diverse caseload effectively where detailed and complex investigations are required, working with precision and attention to detail.

Knowledge of Data Protection.

Negotiating skills Ability to maintain accurate detailed and timely case notes and other evidence-based records.

Equality and diversity issues and an understanding of the relevance to a housing Good organisational and administrative skills. advice service Ability to speak fluent English as stated in Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) Experience of working within a Housing Options team Experience of working in a housing association, local authority housing department or similar organisation.

Experience of dealing with the public and in particular vulnerable applicants Experience of effective partnership working which has led to positive solutions Qualifications Essential Desirable Education qualification to at least A level standard or acquired knowledge to NVQ level 4 and ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and where required will acquire specialist accreditation and skills.

Personal Attributes Essential Desirable Ability to build and maintain good working relationships.

Resourceful, solution focused, persuasive and skilled in overcoming barriers.

Ability to prioritise workload, manage time effectively and meet deadlines.

Ability to work as part of a team, be flexible, use initiative and work with limited supervision.

Current driving licence required and access to own vehicle